The Redskins have dropped four of their last five games, and at 7-6, they'll need to win out to even have a shot at the postseason. There are plenty of reasons for the slide, although the most popular is the inconsistent play of quarterback Jason Campbell.
It comes with the job, but the injuries along the offensive line certainly haven't helped Campbell's play. And that was never more evident than Sunday night against the Ravens. Campbell was under pressure all evening, which is what happens when you're without your starting right tackle, and your left tackle goes down midway through the game.
After Chris Samuels left with an arm injury, the Redskins called on Justin Geisinger to replace him. Not a week goes by that a backup has to come in for an injured starter, but this was different. Geisinger is an interior lineman, and according to the Bog's Dan Steinberg, hadn't taken a single rep at tackle in five years, which dates back to his days at Vanderbilt.
Yet there he was Sunday night, lining up at left tackle ... and promptly watching Terrell Suggs blow past him on his way to Campbell. But again, when you dress seven offensive linemen for a game, you'll sometimes have to improvise. It happens. One question, though: why didn't Zorn give Geisinger some help with Suggs? Maybe have a tight end or a running back providing a little moral support if nothing else?
For his part, Suggs was a concerned when he saw Geisinger line up opposite him.
"I actually pointed at Jim Zorn and said, 'You can't do this, you're going to get your quarterback hurt,' " said Suggs, who praised Geisinger's effort under such stark circumstances. "I was like, 'I don't think this guy is supposed to be here. You've got a mistake.' "Good news, though: Stephon Heyer took over the left tackle duties a series later and Campbell escaped Baltimore in one piece. Going forward, the job will fall to Jason Fabini, so consider your worries assuaged, Mr. Sizzle.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-09-2008 @ 12:55PM
Adam said...
"Campbell was under pressure all evening, which is what happens when you're without your starting right tackle, and your left tackle goes down midway through the game."
Campbell would have been under pressure if the starters were there or not. The Skins' o-line has to be one of the worst in pass protection. They had maybe 4 or 5 good games, and stunk the rest.
Reply
12-09-2008 @ 3:27PM
marcus Sylvester said...
Matt Ryan- Rookie 9-4 Great Defense
Joe Flacco- Rookie 8-5 Ok Defense
Jason Campbell- 4 years 7-6 Good Defense
There is no excuse for why JC scrambles into pressure and throws it below the marker on all third downs. Refuses to use his legs. People say..."The line won't block"....no duh, really? We'll I guess that means he should make an adjustment right. Whatever- Please put in another QB who wants to win at any cost. I haven't seen JC put his body on the line (willingly) since he got here. Quite frankly, I'm tired.
Reply
12-10-2008 @ 4:20PM
redskinsfan said...
I have to agree in part he has to be the most clumsy player on the feild. But the pass protection is terrible. How ever is some of the reason because defeances know theres no threat that they will complete any thing much down feild no big pass plays. So they can line up and tee off. Same thing with portis hes the only threat on offeance, teams know this and have only had to defend against him. Next if not the biggest problem has to be the lack of any pass rush by the redskins they havent pressured anybody. other teams qb can take all the time they need. Both lines need serious revamping. I too am tired.
Reply
12-09-2008 @ 5:43PM
Michael E. Atkins said...
well i'll tell anybody,yes the redskins will make the playoffs but they have to draft defensive players when Draft Day comes around.the redskins have a good defense but some of the players are getting old too.i think if the offense starts to roll then they'll be all right when playoff time comes around but they cant take "cinsie" to lightly either,their record dont mean nothing!now for the ravenssure they have a great defense too but the reffs made a bad call when Portis fumbled,i cant help but think that the reffs were one sided the whole game!it really was'nt a fumble so the ravens got a give me out of that play.all season long though,the reffs have made a lot of stupid calls this year and something has to be done about it.every team should have the right to have any play looked over at least by 2 reffs under the hood dont you sports fans agree?
Reply
12-09-2008 @ 9:55PM
Gui said...
I definitely agree. This year it is very noticable how many blown calls there are in every game. It is very alarming how a game and a season can be decided by the referees making mistake after mistaking.
I really wish they watch the replays on real time. When we watch it on TV we immediately get the replay and different angles of what happened. There needs to be several people in the booth while the play occurs.
The very fact that a coach has to a challenge a call is unacceptable in my opinion. I'm glad they at least get to take another look, but this is something that shouldn't be in the game. Someone should be watching the replays right after the play occurs, seriously.
It is appaling that some calls couldn't be overturned because the coaches ran out of challenges. There needs to be more than two challenges allowed for coaches, successful or not. Seriously man, this aspect of Football is very flawed to me.
12-09-2008 @ 7:30PM
Nick said...
The reason why Campbell's play is inconsistent is because the O line is HORRIBLE!!! Campbell is always making plays by himself. Our WR's aren't as bad as Clevelands but there as inconsistent as them. Cooley is a awesome TE but Zorn doesn't call any plays directed his way. And the reason why Campbell throws the ball short on 3 and 8's etc. Is because Zorn calls for the play to be like that. Or no one is open downfieldso he's giving our RB's a chance to make it instead of throwing a pick. Ever thought of that people? Leave Campbell alone he's doing awesome for his 7 offense in 8 years
Reply
1-16-2009 @ 7:40PM
joemc868 said...
Jason Campbell is a nice guy but NOT a NFL
quarterback.............maybe a good back up
but......duh........the Redskins will never
do well with him a quarterback. Todd Collins
proved that.
Reply