Jason Campbell: Is He Really the Redskins Future at QB?

I have a hard time believing that the Washington Redskins are going to give Jason Campbell much more time before they make a move, whether that be by trade, draft, or free agency, to bring in another QB.

Honestly, I still think Campbell could turn out to be a very solid NFL quarterback, but then I watch him play, and see how far he hasn’t come in the years he’s already played, and it makes me think that he doesn’t have a chance.

When he first came into the league, and played his first few games, I saw some great things, and while they were still rough, I was confident he could polish them up to become the QB that he was expected to be. But looking back at the last few years, he honestly hasn’t improved in any of those categories.

Vision

The first thing I noticed with him was that he didn’t see all the players on the field. Granted, he always saw where his receiver was, but it was like he had a block on his eye that didn’t allow him to see where the defensive players were, and to this day he still throws passes right into the chest of a defensive back which frustrates me so much.

Awareness

I’ll give him some credit, he has improved a little on this part of his game, but he still doesn’t feel pressure when he needs to. It also seems like he’s lost on some plays, and ends up wasting a down, getting sacked, or throwing a pick trying to recover and make a play.

Mental Issues

A quarterback has to have a very short memory in the NFL, and from watching Campbell week in and week out he just has to good of a memory.

I’m going to take Mark Sanchez as an example. Those few games where he has thrown three, four, or even five interceptions, he’s still able to keep his head up because he puts those out of his head and doesn’t obsess on not throwing another one. Campbell on the other hand seems to always get his head down, and make even more mistakes because of his fear of making another bad pass, which adds more pressure on him, which makes him throw another bad pass.

Those are just a few of the things that I don’t like about Jason Campbell, and I’m fairly sure I could come up with some more, but I don’t think that’s necessary.

So that brings me to my question for the thread, do you guys really see Jason Campbell as being the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins in 3-4 years? Can he figure himself out and work out the kinks to his game?

Comments always appreciated.

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Chris Long or Matt Ryan: A Look at the Rams 2008 Draft Blunder

I was just looking this up, and noticed something that makes me both cringe and laugh at the St. Louis Rams. In the 2008 NFL Draft, the top three picks went like this:

1. Miami Dolphins
2. St. Louis Rams
3. Atlanta Falcons

One of the biggest draft mistakes in the last five years happened right here. With the first overall selection, the Miami Dolphins went with OT Jake Long, a good pick in my opinion because of his ability to both block for the pass and the run.

What happened next is the mistake.

With the Rams on the clock, the team had pressing needs at quarterback and defensive line. Deliberating between the two of them, St. Louis decided to pick Chris Long, leaving Matt Ryan available for the Atlanta Falcons to pick up at No. 3.

Looking back at that draft, let’s see how the second and third picks match up.

 

Chris Long

So far in his almost two-year career, Long’s played 29 games and has 59 solo tackles, 17 assists, 76 total tackles, eight sacks, zero interceptions, and one forced fumble.

Those are decent stats, but not when you compare them to Matt Ryan’s.

 

Matt Ryan

In the same time frame, here are the quarterback numbers of Ryan:

27 games, 84.3 QB rating, 471-781 comp-att, 60.3 completion percentage, 5,731 yards, 32 touchdowns, 23 interceptions, 82 rushes, 152 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns.

It just doesn’t look like the Rams made the right move, especially with their dire need for a quarterback these days.

The Rams made a big mistake going for Long when Ryan was still available. Even though the Falcons’ quarterback hasn’t put up amazing stats, he has still lead Atlanta to the playoffs and had very solid numbers every game.

The same cannot be said for Chris Long.

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The Future of the Washington Redskins

Certainly it has been a season to forget in Washington. Not that much was expected when the season began, but the lackluster performance of the skins has fans wanting answers.

Many will blame Jim Zorn. Zorn’s future is very unclear in Washington after starting the season with the easiest schedule in football history, Washington has a 2-5 record. Zorn has to shovel if not all then most of the blame for this. Week to week, the offensive and defensive game plan doesn’t equate to any production. Zorn has done one of the worst jobs in the league using his timeouts.

He’s done a worst job using the personnel he does have. Clinton Portis only has 120 attempts rushing the ball on the season. Just a few years ago Joe Gibbs rode the legs of Portis to the playoffs and wild card victory.

Most will blame Daniel Snyder. I just strongly believe you cannot blame a owner who wants to spend money. Daniel Snyder is not out there calling plays or playing football. What he is trying to do is buy the best football team money can buy.

When Zorn was hired, none of the big name head coaches (Shannahan. Gruden, or Cohwer) were available or I’d assure you he would of thrown big money any of those coaches way.

I do blame him for bringing in Sherman Lewis this season to call plays. If Lewis was brought in then they should of just fired Zorn and allowed Blatche to take over head coaching duties. Now you have a powerless head coach and a joke of a football organization.

The blame should instead be spread out. The offensive line injuries have absolutely crippled the Redskins. The Redskins two top lineman have gone out for the year in Samuels and Thomas, after already losing Pete Kendall and John Jansen this off season. This has left the skins with terrible pass protection and sub par rush blocking ability.

Jason Campbell has also been terrible and that may be an understatement. His accuracy is completely off and the Camobell that started off the 2008 season is gone. The six seasons with six coordinators has apparently completely fried Campbells brain. His ability to audible off of a blitz package, is completely lost and has no ability to throw the long ball.

Portis and Cooley have also had down years for this team, while none of the ’08 Draft Picks have stepped into a star roll.

So we look to next year…

There may be too many problems for one year to fix. The first step will be rebuilding your offensive line in the draft. If the guy the Redskins want is not available with their first pick then there second and third round picks must be used on offensive lineman. The Redskins have a slew of expiring contracts this upcoming season, with two players they most likely look to resign (Carlos Rogers and Rocky McIntosh).

A Look Into The Redskins 2010 NFL Draft

1st Pick: Jake Locker-QB-Washington-I look for the Redskins to draft Locker, Clausen, Bradford, Tebow or one of the QBs. Jason Cambell will be a free agent at years end and the Redskins will have no intentions of resigning him. Kyle Orton will be the best available free agent so I look for them to put the QB position as their top priority in the draft. Hopefully, by it being a top priority the Redskins don’t make a stretch on Tebow or Bradford and waste a pick.

2nd pick: Jason Fox-OT-Miami-Fox is a big, strong ox that has anchored the line for Jacoy Harris. Fox will be the beginning of rebuilding a declining offensive line with no depth. If the Redskins are able to bring in Fox, then I look for them to cut one of the more expensive lineman. Maybe sign another free agent this offseason as well.

The Redskins do not have a third round pick. The Redskins will most likely spend most of there second day picks on offensive line and maybe one project qb, as Todd Collins also will be off the books.

A Look in to the Redskins Free Agent Moves

Offensive Line
There will be tons of high quality offensive lineman available for the redskins to go after. Such names as Jahri Evans, Logan Mankins, Marcus McNeil, Kevin Mawae, and on will all be on the market. However, with great lineman come expensive contracts. To stay under the cap, it’s very unlikely with the Redskins to sign a top tier lineman. If the money is not available look for them too still bring a second tier guy such as Nick Kaczur, Deuce Lutui, Ryan Cook, or Alex Barron.

Quarterback
I doubt they will bring in Orton or Pennington really the only two big names on the market, if they’re really even big names. However, with Collins gone I look for the Redskins to bring in a Charlie Batch type player.

A couple other ideas are Duante Culpepper, Jon Kitna, or Rex Grossman. This QB would be used to allow Colt and Locker (or whoever) time to develop.

Wide Receiver
Things could get interesting here. The Redskins need a starting wideout target in the end zone. Braylon will most likely resign with the New York Jets. That still leaves Vincent Jackson and Brandon Marshall available. The Redskins do not need a WR, but if they were able to move Moss, Rande El, Kelly or Thomas it would greatly help the offense to have an endzone threat.

Remember also that the Redskins tried to trade anything and everything for Chad Ochosinco and Anquan Boldin.

I think Snyder to grab one of these top wideouts, a list that includes Braylon Edwards, Terrel Owens, Vincent Jackson, or Brandon Marshall.

Many things can be done to make the 2010 season a much better one for Washinton. The question has always remained in Washington, will Snyder lose Vinny and get a real gm and coach? If the answer is yes, then Snyder has a team in place, with the right moves this offseason and hiring the right coach, to make a playoff run next year.

If Snyder instead takes a softer route keeping his buddy and gm around, bad moves will be made again and the Redskins will be even worst next year without Campbell.

This article was written by single44threat at RST, and you can see the original copy by clicking here .

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Jacksonville Jaguars Could Sneak through Tough Division, into Playoffs

After a terrific 2007 campaign that included an 11-5 record and making it to the second round, the Jaguars followed that up by flipping that mark to a disappointing 5-11 in 2008.

Jacksonville failed to make the playoffs; as a matter of fact, they were the worst team in their division record-wise.

This year will be different.

Why? Well, let’s start off with the obvious.

First and foremost, the Jaguars filled in their obvious need for a No. 1 target by signing seven-time Pro Bowl selection Torry Holt to a three-year contract. Holt, 32, appeared to have an off year in 2008 as he struggled to record 800 receiving yards and only claimed three touchdowns.

However, with a terrible St. Louis offensive line, Marc Bulger, his Rams quarterback at the time, was sacked an alarming 38 times. Now, Holt not only will have a tougher and more aware David Garrard, but also a better offensive line, which brings me to my second point.

Jacksonville drafted two tackles in Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton. The Jaguars found a bit of a steal with Monroe available at eight. I firmly believe that Monroe was the best tackle in the draft as he has the most polished game. Britton blocking on the other end only helps their offense more.

Now it’s time to focus on the not-so-obvious.

The Jaguars must have been pleased and shocked to find Rashad Jennings in the seventh round. They found the perfect replacement for Fred Taylor—at least three rounds after he should have been taken.

Jennings combines strength, size, and power, and with he and Jones-Drew as a one-two punch, the running game is revamped, which of course creates opportunities for the passing game. Expect Jennings to be a goal-line finisher, and his combination with MJD to be similar to that of Chris Johnson and LenDale White of the Titans.

Then, in the third round of the draft, Jacksonville found two prospects that should help them on the other side of the field in corner-back Derek Cox and DT Terrance Knighton. Respectively, Cox was a small-school standout that should help out the Jaguars poor passing defense. Knighton not only should pressure the quarterback but also stuff runs. But I hope the Jaguars can make even more improvements.

The prospects they drafted show definite promise for the future.

Expect improvements from this Jacksonville team. Although they may be in one of the toughest divisions in the league, as many as three teams are allowed in the playoffs from one division. The AFC South will most likely offer up the Colts and Titans, but the Jags could compete with the Texans for a spot.

I am predicting that Garrard will have a much better year with a better offensive line. With Torry Holt in his arsenal of targets, I expect Garrard to throw for 20-plus touchdowns, 65 percent completions, over 3,500 yards, 10 or fewer interceptions, and a couple of yards and touchdowns on the ground.

As for Maurice Jones-Drew, well, not only will the UCLA alum receive more minutes, but he will also have a better offensive line. I see him finally reaching an elite level and scoring around 16 touchdowns, rushing for more than 1,000 yards, around two or three receiving touchdowns, and more than 600 receiving yards.

And then Torry Holt. He will have to prove the doubters wrong. He doesn’t actually have much to lose at 32, but he has a lot to win—including his first playoff berth since 2005 and possibly another super bowl ring. Expect him to return to his 1,000-yard standards with 80-plus receptions and around seven touchdowns.

Overall, I expect the Jaguars to make the playoffs or end up right outside of the bubble. The only problem is that they have a fairly tough schedule. If they can pull it out, great. But, they, like Torry Holt, don’t have much to lose.

I don’t think many people expect them to be a playoff-caliber team. But when you break it down, it looks so. Since they had so many players coming and going, I’m not sure if they will get it together until mid-way through the season, then they shall emerge as a sleeper team.

Article credit goes to sas45champs at RealSportsTalk.

One Thousand Yards Does Not Equal Success

Every offseason since the departure of Terrell Owens in 2006, all you hear Philadelphia Eagles fans moan and groan about is the lack of receiving in the Eagles’ explosive offense.

And quite frankly, I have had about enough of it.

Not only with the Eagles, but also with the NFL in general. Analysts and opposing fans everywhere are always bashing teams for not having that “top guy” in the depth chart.

What if I told you guys this shocking statistic: Since the departure of Terrell Owens in 2006, the Philadelphia Eagles have never been out of top 10 in total receiving yards, and in 2008 they had the sixth best total receiving yards by a team in the NFL.

Yes, that means they have had more receiving yards then teams with potent offenses like Dallas, Green Bay, New England, Miami, and San Diego.

That’s not good enough? Well, wait until you hear this: They are the only team other than New Orleans, Chicago, Minnesota, St. Louis, San Francisco, Seattle, New York Giants, Oakland, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Cincinnati, Cleveland, New York Jets, and Miami who did not have a 1,000-yard receiver in 2008.

Whoa, wait just a second, isn’t that nearly half of the NFL? This statistic leads me to my next topic, which is that having a 1,000-yard receiver is overrated in the NFL. Yes, it does help, but just how much does it really lead to a successful football team?

Out of the teams I mentioned above, they hold a total record of 122-142-2 (.462) and five of them made it to the playoffs (Miami, Philadelphia, Tennessee, New York Giants, and Minnesota). Out of those five teams, they share a combined record of 55-24-1 (.700).

It is just a fact, and the statistics do not lie. You do not have to have a 1,000-yard receiver to be a good receiving team, although it does help.

But I don’t want to be one-sided here, so lets look at those other “successful” teams who do have a 1,000-yard receiver on their team. They have an overall record of 137-113 (.548). And of those, there are seven playoff teams with a combined record of 63-37 (.630).

And if you look at it, the playoff teams without a 1,000-yard receiver actually have a better record and winning percentage then those who did make the playoffs in 2008.

All of this is to just prove one thing people: teams are becoming more aware that depth is a key attribute to having a successful receiving core. It is about quantity nowadays, not quality. You do not have to have a big time receiver to have a good receiving core or to make the playoffs

 

For more, go here.

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