Progress: Brennan Will Get Chance to Back Up Campbell in '09

Filling in for an injured Jason Campbell, Todd Collins started the final three games of the 2007 regular season, winning all of them, and helped lead the Redskins to the playoffs. Even though he was in his mid-30s and a career backup, there were suddenly questions as to who the team's starter should be heading into '08.

Head coach Jim Zorn announced that it was Campbell's job to lose, and it turned out to be the right decision. Yes, Collins had excelled in Al Saunders' complicated offense (primarily because he had plenty of time to learn it while both were in Kansas City -- and it was also why the 'Skins originally signed him in 2006), but when Zorn replaced Joe Gibbs last year, he brought his version of the West Coast Offense with him to DC, rendering Collins obsolescent in the process.

I mention all this to point out that Collins, who's nearing the end of a solid 15-year NFL career, could face some competition for the backup job from fan favorite Colt Brennan.

Via the Washington Post's Jason La Canfora:

The rookie, inactive as the emergency third QB all of last season, flashed a few things in preseason and by August the cries from fans for him to unseat not only backup Todd Collins, but starter Jason Campbell as well, made for one of the summer's most interesting sideshows. To me, rushing Brennan in any manner made no sense then and still doesn't, but he will certainly get more time to show his stuff in preseason games this summer and could push Collins.

La Canfora's right -- Brennan wasn't ready to be the starter last season -- and that's still the case. Some fans disagree, but there's no way the Redskins are a better team with Campbell on the bench. In fact, La Canfora nails the bottom line:

Ultimately, when you look at Collins's contract, the Skins really bought themselves three years with which to figure out what Brennan's true upside can be and so, again, I believe there is no huge rush to throw the kid into the fire. They need him to be backup ready by 2010.

Which is why we'll no doubt hear people clamoring for Brennan to get the gig after an impressive fourth quarter showing in the first preseason game.

While we wait for that eventuality, Campbell wants you to know that he'd like to stay in Washington. I imagine he's pointing this out now because he'd like to get an extension sooner rather than later. Fair enough. But his comments undoubtedly come with the understanding that his long-term fate with the organization will be decided by his performance next season. Assuming, of course, Brennan doesn't win the job outright.*

* joke

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

3-26-2009 @ 7:23PM

Adam said...

Oh God, Ryan, what have you done. Cult of Colt shitstorm is about to hit.

3-26-2009 @ 7:47PM

lazyindiankid4 said...

Jason Campbell will and BE our QB this season. And anyone who disagrees can go take a freaking hike. The reason is that Colt could become a good Qb in the future. And I am all in the idea of him being our future QB if Campbell doesn't succeed. But look he needs to time to polish up and develop because you cant take all the chances which he takes in the NFL. He played against reserves and 3rd stringers in preseason. Unless I see Colt play in the reg season at least once. I don't want the kid to be our starter until he proves himself to be Really LEGIT. As for Campbell, if he can be a little more assertive and be more of leader, we can succeed. He can protect the ball and has a hell of an arm. He was playing great until his O-line crashed after game 8 and his running game flattened out.Taking in all to considerations..I am hoping for a successful 09-10 season.

HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!!

3-26-2009 @ 8:04PM

ryan said...

Adam, I know. I actually debated even bringing it up. Then again, I do get some perverse pleasure out of the Colt fanatics.

3-26-2009 @ 9:00PM

marc said...

I believe Campbell will be better this year. As long as our prehistoric offensive line stays of IR, Campbell will have the time he needs to complete passes. Unless Thomas and Kelly cannot pull through. Otherwise WR is a need for the following year because Randle El can't catch and Moss can't make many plays in double coverage. I also hope to not see any 5 yard passes when it is 3rd and 12. I think if Campbell does not pull it off, we need to bring in a new QB and NOT make Colt the starter.

3-26-2009 @ 11:15PM

demusnew2ndhand said...

COLT BRENNAN!!! lol...i am a huge fan of colts but i agree with this article, which is rare lol. im stoked that we will be in better shape at the beginning of next season then we were last year. everything is coming together and im fully backing jason campbell, if it works out that colt ends up the starter, it would be bittersweet as a skins fans first and colt fan 2nd. it would be weird to see Jc ina vikings or browns helmet..but thats the league nowadays. honestly, no emotion involved...no bashing, i feel like in 1-2 years playing backup colt gives us the best chance to get to the promise land

3-27-2009 @ 7:16PM

Corey C said...

Dont get me wrong i love C.B. but hes a backup at this point. J.C. is way too good to ride the bench when healthy..... But i must add... I wouldnt mind seeing C.B. as our starter in the future....

3-27-2009 @ 1:45AM

daddyfatsacs13 said...

I believe Colt could be our future, he is a wait and see. Jason is on the hot seat with me. His intensity is that of a 30 year old stoner. I want swagger and fight in my QBs heart, I just haven't seen it yet, out of Campbell. The great ones have this attitude, stagnate is not what we need. We are built for a pure and quick passer. Take control and bleed the opponents. Its wait and see, but my opinion says Campbell is short term. Colt has the attitude for this teams make up.
DSV

3-27-2009 @ 6:16AM

bears0492 said...

What I don't get is why the redskins didn't just play Brennan in the last few games after they were eliminated from playoff contention. That way, they would see more of him in real games.

3-27-2009 @ 7:56AM

Steve said...

Behind ya 100% bears0492

3-27-2009 @ 10:09AM

joughb said...

bears0492 & Steve. Because as Herm Edwards infamously said "You play to win the game". You don't use your season as a time to "experiment". That is what the 4 game preseason is for. Colt will play 5 times as much as Campbell or even Collins for that matter during the preseason.

You never want to promote a "we give up" attitude into a team. Plus, wouldn't that stunt Campbell's growth in the offense if he doesn't get those last 3 games under his belt? People keep talking about the future but what about the now?

3-27-2009 @ 12:18PM

doomycota said...

I hope there isn't a huge 'bring on Colt' contingency this year, it got pretty annoying last year. Jason Campbell is our quarterback, and until Vinny and Danny say this isn't so, Colt will continue to be a third stringer. Until the Skins decide to part ways with Campbell, which in my humble opinion would be the worst move since signing Deon Sanders and I hope they give JC an extension, Colt will remain a back-up/third string QB with the Redskins.

3-27-2009 @ 12:40PM

I wish we could just make a move for Cutler. he is 25 years old and already a Pro Bowler not to mention the fact he is a west coast offense qb which Campbell appears to not be.

3-27-2009 @ 1:47PM

van sisson said...

I don't think Campbell is the long term answer. I also agree that Colt could use another year as a back-up. Campbell doesn't seem to have the drive and he isn't picking up the NFL offense regardless of the coach or O co. he is still making rookie mistakes. I'd like to see some veteran leadership to help guide them both along. I am not sold on Cutler and he isn't worth what people seem to want to give up for him.

3-28-2009 @ 12:07AM

Bradley said...

C.B. is not good!!! hop off this dude!!! Jason Campbell is our qb, n is 10 times better than Colt. Look at the numbers it doesn't lie, look at Jason Campbells progression each year, he is bound to have a elite break out season! Jason is goin to say this year "high haters"!!!!

3-28-2009 @ 12:22AM

willaman06 said...

Hey...Colt has not even had a shot...we cant judge him right now to say ohhh hes not good is redundant due to the fact that all those bastards said the same about Campbell. And now they love Campbell hes our fav we love him 8 weeks into the season they will be begging for Colt. So dont doubt him hes a good guy with a good head on his shoulders oh and lets not forget he has a QB coach for a head coach who drafted him because he thinks he is a good, devlopmental QB. Stop being deuches and learn a thing or two about your favorite team.

3-28-2009 @ 12:28AM

Ummmmm what has Herm done lately with his wait till the end of the season approach being bumped from team to team. KC.......next year he will be the Lions coach

3-28-2009 @ 3:59AM

Before the Oline gave out, Campbell was passing for well over 200 yards per game. He completed 75% of his passes and the Skins went 6-2. He was also the last QB in the league to throw a pick and the Redskins have become a pass-happy team since Zorn. Campbell is our man and I think if he gets the time to make a pass and has receivers who can play around him, he will lead the Skins to the big game.
Leave Colts ass on the bench where it belongs. The guy came from Hawaii. Who has Hawaii ever played that is any good? Note that when Hawaii played one team actually good, they got their ass kicked. So he conjured up a 4th quarter comeback against the other teams scrubs who were fighting for a roster spot. let him start one regular season game and he will be booed by the end of the 1st quarter.

4-01-2009 @ 8:47PM

drummininthebridge said...

LMAO prehistoric offensive line.

and as far as colt brennan outcries, last season i went to the rams game (terrible choice), and i was screaming for colt brennan to replace durant brooks as the punter lmao.

but in all honesty, brennan shouldnt pass campbell just yet, but he could certainly get by todd collins. and that would be VERY interesting, especially if the redskins have a down year.