If Jets Don't Land Sanchez, They Could Have Interest in Campbell

Everybody has a tipping point, and for Jason Campbell it came yesterday: he'll reportedly demand a trade if the Redskins draft Mark Sanchez. The most shocking thing to come of this: that it took him this long to publicly state what was obvious the moment owner Dan Snyder decided he wanted Jay Cutler.

Even though Snyder, actor/radio personality/GM (in that order) Vinny Cerrato and head coach Jim Zorn had a post-Cutler-infatuation meet-and-greet with Campbell to reassure him of his importance to the organization, the Sanchez speculation began just a few weeks later. But this is the season for smokescreening and all that goes with it.

Perhaps the suddenly savvy Redskins' brain trusts are hoping to engineer a draft-day trade down, accumulate extra picks, and focus on filling the current holes on the roster: offensive and defensive line, and linebacker.

Whatever happens, it sounds like Campbell has options. In an interview earlier this week, he admitted that "I just don't like it when you see so much about [the Redskins] trying to get a quarterback. I don't think anybody would like to see that about your job. It just makes you feel like people have thrown you out there like you're just a bad quarterback. You just have to remember that it's all part of the process sometimes."

And that's the argument Campbell's supporters would make, too. Including, it seems, the New York Jets. According to a team source (via the Washington Times), the Jets "would be interested in acquiring Campbell if it loses out in the Sanchez sweepstakes." Again with Sanchez.

Football Outsiders' Doug Farrar, who was on HausCast earlier this week and closely follows such things, thinks Sanchez would be a perfect fit in a West Coast Offense. And any concerns about his lack of college experience (he started just 16 games at USC) is mitigated by solid mechanics, impeccable footwork and football smarts. Not only that, Sanchez comes across as gracious, humble, and a natural leader -- all good qualities in a franchise quarterback.

Maybe this is why Snyder has fallen in love. Or maybe he's just smokescreenin'.

Two final thoughts: getting traded to a team like the Jets might be the best thing for Campbell's career. A tenacious defense can mask a lot of offensive shortcomings, something new head coach Rex Ryan pulled off on a yearly basis during his time with the Ravens. Also: as Bruce Ciskie pointed out to me, what happens if the 'Skins make a play for Sanchez, don't get him, and Campbell still demands a trade? That's right: Colt Brennan time.*

* Not really. Maybe.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

4-24-2009 @ 3:16PM

lmorgan1967 said...

I am sick and tired of Daniel S and Vinny C making moves that do not make since. Let me ask a Question: Does either one of these men have a clue to how to build a TEAM all i see them doing year after year is F*cking it up.

4-24-2009 @ 3:22PM

sportzcrazed75 said...

thank you so much
im glad im not the only one who thinks that and we need to get a bettrt line its full of gezzers!!

4-24-2009 @ 3:26PM

bobdunk said...

Campell has a pee for a brain. The man needs 10 yards and throws for 7 and then WAITS to see if his receiver can make the first down on a third down pass. Can't tell you how many times he did that the past two seasons. Besides, he got his education--or lack of--at Auburn. Enough said. I would go with Colt Brennan NOW, even if you land Sanchez. I've watched and covered this team as a reporter for over 30 years and I know a good QB when I see one. Hell, bring back Jurgy! Or go find me Mark Ripien again. But no more Campbell Soup for me. He's another McNabb, Cunningham, Leftwich, etc.

4-24-2009 @ 4:20PM

yungyung said...

What are you talkn about, throwing the ball 7 yards when you need 10 probably has a lot to do with the receiver or the offensive line, which they have a poor quality of. You sound like the dumb ass. If your so smart and have been a writer for 30 years why did you spell "pea" right instead of pee.

4-24-2009 @ 4:41PM

th30n1yj3w said...

bobdunk,
I wouldn't be too disappointed with a McNabb...he's done really well for the Eagles for the last ten years...4 NFC Championship games in 5 years is nothing to sneeze. To say that JC is another McNabb is either a VERY big insult to McNabb. I agree, though, in that it is time for Colt to start. If the Jets want Campbell, let's give him to them, use the picks to bolster the lines and pick up another 6th or 7th round 3rd string QB to ride the pine behind him and Collins.

4-24-2009 @ 4:23PM

Moreover, what do you mean hes another McNabb, Cunningham, or Leftwich. They are all pretty good qbs. What does that mean, do you mean hes black?

4-24-2009 @ 4:36PM

I stick by my spelling...pee. Campbell makes me THAT ill that it just drives me to the bathroom during games.....and as for the QBs, and my comparison to McNabb, etc., it is what it is. There's a reason Brady, Unitas, Jurgensen, Kilmer, Marino, Montana, Elway, Bradshaw were tops in their field. Know your QB history.

4-24-2009 @ 4:52PM

And why are they good and McNabb isn't, or Cunningham

4-24-2009 @ 5:15PM

SeanPugz1983 said...

Racist.........i guess you forgot about Doug E Fresh (Doug Williams for your dumb....whatever). If your implying race has anything to do with being a good quarterback then maybe you need to re-watch the 87 superbowl and see who outpassed Elway. BTW Elway and Favre are my favorite quarterbacks all time, and i guess you want short, weak side-slingin' Colt to start.........you have to be atleast 6'5 to throw the ball side armed in the NFL and not have it batted away at the line and last i checked Colt Brennan was pretty short for a NFL QB

4-24-2009 @ 6:04PM

sportsfntic22 said...

I think this will be one of those either gotcha seasons where the fans will be very disappointed or it will be a very good season

4-24-2009 @ 9:25PM

ca brave said...

It would be wise for the Skins to upgrade with Sanchez if feasible, if not then a USC LB would fit the bill nicely and add some intensity.

Go Skins!

4-24-2009 @ 8:53PM

jerry said...

i think get rid of jc he is just a dissapointment he has been a qb to long and he cant hardly score a point he is not that accurate he misses open recievers for the love of the game trade him and put colt in he knows how to throw the ball and score and he takes chances also put a winner in not a loser get rid of jc

4-24-2009 @ 9:00PM

also people it is not about race its about winning with a better qb lets not bring race into it lets love this sport not bring it down with race its all about the game people use your brains

4-25-2009 @ 3:47PM

boellis2 said...

i think mr.synder talks out of both sides of his mouth at times.they are trying to make jc a scape goat.sanchez can't get us to the super bowl.yes i think the individual comment were racist.

4-26-2009 @ 8:39PM

paul said...

Until the Redskins start being a playoff team, these comments will always continue. It's simple, start getting Colt ready for the season & on to the playoffs. For you JC lovers, get real, the only reason you have faith in him is because you feel sorry for him.