All Eyes on Jason Campbell In DC

As the Redskins go through mini-camps this spring, the most important development will be how things progress with their starting quarterback, Jason Campbell. It's no secret the Redskins pursued other options during the offseason, only to come up short and end up "stuck" with the 27-year-old Auburn product.

After three seasons, and finally one full one, under his belt, it's time for Campbell to take the next step and become a franchise quarterback. Finally getting a second season in the same offensive system -- 2009 will be the first time -- is a great start for the 6-foot-5 signal-caller. He's also getting more comfortable in his leadership role.

"It's been put on Jason to be a definite leader of this team," tight end Chris Cooley told FanHouse during mini-camp, "I think that's one of the biggest things that's understood, he's worked really hard to be that role. I was proud of the way he treated that, he looks great on the field right now. Jason's really seeing the field and feels very comfortable."

We can't discount how much leadership matters when it comes to being a successful quarterback. The nature of the position automatically assigns the person playing it to be a leader -- whether or not he's actually a natural-born hands-on leader. With Campbell's laid-back personality, being a leader isn't something that came easy to him when he first entered the league. As he heads into his fourth season, though, he seems eager to be the man in charge of the huddle.

"You kind of grow into it on your own (leadership role)," Campbell says, "There's guys I've talked to, everyone said you kind of mature into it, grow into it on your own. A lot of it has to do with experience, being in the same system, that you just feel naturally comfortable with the guys around you."

And there's the mention of knowing the system again. Having to go through three different systems -- including the ridiculously cumbersome Al Saunders playbook -- in three seasons was nearly akin to Campbell enduring three separate rookie seasons. He never got the chance to develop at the NFL level in a system in which he found personal comfort. Now, he and his coach are able to focus on other things than just learning the plays.

"I like the position that Jason's getting himself in," says head coach Jim Zorn.

"He's making much better decisions, because he knows the offense, he's not just learning the offense. We're putting him through the paces of working on his release, making those releases efficient. He was very accurate this week, pretty impressive the things that he did. Ball speed and accuracy: you can't put a premium on that."

Not everyone is going to be Matt Ryan and find their groove directly out of college, especially when they weren't an immediate full-time starter. Any knee-jerk reactions formed during Campbell's first three seasons shouldn't be summarily dismissed, but he definitely needs more time before we form a final judgment on his effectiveness as an NFL quarterback. Just ask Mike Holmgren.

Holmgren, the venerable Super Bowl champion coach, has overseen the development of Brett Favre and Matt Hasselbeck as a head coach, in addition to Steve Young and Joe Montana as an assistant. The recently retired Holmgren visited Zorn -- who worked with Holmgren in Seattle -- during the latest mini-camp and had some words about the progress of Campbell.

"Here you have a young quarterback and a really good young quarterback and coach, it seems like a marriage made in heaven," said Holmgren who watched Zorn develop his star quarterback, Matt Hasselbeck, years ago in Seattle. "The thing is you have to have some patience. He's a young guy. And he may come in soon and shock everybody. Look at the young quarterback in Baltimore [Joe] Flacco, he's not being asked to do the same things as Campbell. He's not throwing the ball as much as Jason. If you're in the West Coast offense, you're going to be asked to do a lot more."

Considering the track record Holmgren has with quarterbacks, I'll take his word for it.

As for Campbell himself? He's happy where the team is because of "just how far along we are as an offensive unit and defensive unit, this time this year compared to last year at this time."

And the prospects of a high-powered passing offense this season in Washington?

"A lot is going to depend on how well our young guys proceed," says Campbell. "Santana (Moss)'s always going to draw attention, (Antwaan) Randle El's a guy that's a veteran and will move around from inside to outside, Cooley will draw attention. The two guys that can really help us are Devin (Thomas) and Malcolm (Kelly) – right now, Devin's looking really well running routes, he's matured a lot and Malcolm's doing the best he can to get back for June OTAs. The guy has great hands, everything he catches, he catches with his hands. We're feeling positive about those two guys coming into the season."

It sounds like cautious optimism as Campbell describes the weapons at his disposal in the passing attack, and he's going to go a long way when it comes to how the young receivers come together as professional pass-catchers. The key in the equation is Campbell himself. If he becomes a franchise quarterback, it only speeds up the growth of Thomas and Kelly. It's entirely possible that happens in 2009, if you hear it from both Holmgren and Zorn.

Campbell is a polarizing figure for Redskins fans who watched the team tank down the stretch in 2008 after watching a career backup take them to the playoffs in 2007 (after Campbell fell injured). We rarely post anything about him without an ensuing argument in the comments section as to whether or not he's suited to move forward as Washington's quarterback -- and God forbid anyone bring up Colt Brennan.

Everyone should take a step back and listen to Holmgren and Zorn. They know what they are doing when it comes to that position.

Give Campbell a chance.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

5-08-2009 @ 4:35PM

Adam said...

This certainly is an entertaining time to be a Skins fan.

I think Campbell can get it done this year. If the o-line maintains some type of consistency throughout the year, and if the new receiver step up, the offense can actually score points this year. Those are more the keys to success than Campbell himself. If it happens, I don't see how the Redskins won't get into the playoffs.

5-08-2009 @ 4:40PM

Brian said...

Matt, for once someone wrote a realistic article about JC. He has serious potential and has been put through so many adverse situations in his career. Different playbooks, not only in the NFL, but also 4 different playbooks in college. His knee was banged up. This is a player that has every right to be comfortable with his role, yet nobody seems to want to let him settle into it. Kudos to you Matt, excellent job.

5-08-2009 @ 4:58PM

rkfong said...

As a lifelong Skins fan I'm glad that someone finally agrees with me. JC has just never been given a chance to succeed. Now if only the numnuts at the top (Snyder, Cerrato) could see that.

5-08-2009 @ 5:37PM

skins2win said...

Well said Matt Snyder! Lets hope(those of us who have stuck by JC)that this will be his year.

5-08-2009 @ 5:39PM

skindeep said...

JC has what it takes.Cerrato on the other hand cant see straight.We should hire Holmgren to take ole crazy eyes job its not like we can't afford it.JC needs some f-ing support and time with a system, as a skins fan i need some freaking stability i live in texas cowboy country.THEY FEAR US! THEY FEAR US!

5-09-2009 @ 12:32AM

floridacat2 said...

he has what it takes? is that what you said?.. are we watching the same cambell? come on dude, are you blind? he will never get it done..watch and see...man

5-08-2009 @ 5:51PM

Sam said...

I have always come to JC's defense, but last year down the stretch he looked overwhelmed. I am glad that the Redskins played this little smoke and mirrors game with Sanchez and Cutler to let JC know that while we still have faith in you, your starting position is not set in stone. Hopefully it lights a fire in him and he blows up this season. If not, we really need to look in another direction.

5-08-2009 @ 8:01PM

Master said...

If he looked overwhelmed the last half of the season it was because he was running for his life cause the O-line wasnt getting it done. Im glad to hear people supporting JC. He hasnt been developed properly with having to learn new systems every year. Finally he gets a second year and I fully expect him to have a break out season assuming the O-line holds up the entire season. I expect the skins D to be top 10 this year, so if the O-line can stay consistent I would expect a run in the playoffs. Plus I would love nothing more than for idiot boy Dan Snyder to look like even more of a jack ass signing JC to a massive extension when the seasons over after trying to trade him.

5-08-2009 @ 10:42PM

DwightFry said...

Snyder & Cerrato aren't stupid. They know Campbell is good, and he was always going to be the starter. They also know quarterbacks aren't easy to come by. If they brought in Cutler or Sanchez, it would still have been Campbell's job to keep or lose. If he gets hurt in midseason, however, are you confidant that Todd Collins can take us the rest of the way? Todd's good, but he did fall short after an incredible run using Al Saunders' playbook. Does he make a good west coast QB?

5-09-2009 @ 12:29AM

todd did alot better then cambell bad o-line or good. you think cambell could of got us to the play offs like todd did..yeah keep dreaming..so at the end of the 09 season we will see how well you like your boy then..a waist..hes no good under pressure dude! and will not throw the deep ball for some reason..and it aint because of the play book either..he just dont have it for the nfl..this is not college, and he hasn't showed me anything..come talk to me at the end of the season, when your hanging your head down..

5-08-2009 @ 11:31PM

RodSquad said...

Only reason Campbell is still there is because Snyder couldn,t buy another QB in the off season, how do you think Campbell feels now that he knows Redskins wanted to deal for another QB ???I think it is great that they are stuck with him.Fail to Redskins again !!!!!!!!!

5-09-2009 @ 12:20AM

floridacat2 said...

matt..you say give cambell a chance?? How about three years of nothing..isn't that giving him a chance. How many chances do you give a quaterback who doesn't throw the deep ball? I mean come on man. Todd collins is a way better quaterback than cambell will ever be!! And i don't care what you say thats the god honest truth and you know it.. But zorn has the hots for him for some reason or another...don't ask me..We will never make it to the big game with cambell..and you will all see for yourself this year..why waist another year,,? its just crazy..oh well i guess i don't get paid the big bucks to coach, but it sure is plain and simple to me..yeah give him a chance..like he hasn't had one...whatever dude!

5-09-2009 @ 8:06PM

jon jon said...

whoa, people complain about Campbell and "the deep ball". People say Campbell has shown nothing. How about restraint, instead of forcing deep passes into double and triple coverage? he had like 3 INTs over his first 8 games.

then the last 8 games we played the toughest Defenses in the league every single week.

now while everyone wants to criticize the quarterback and start over again with another piece like always do, and then a new coach two years down the line, let me ask you something?

where were you when our linemen were getting snatched off their feet and almost every snap looked like a screen pass? Where were you when he was making great throws on the money and our receivers were dropping the ball? Where were you during those three yard outswingers on third and 8?

there were several problems with the team, and switching quarterbacks isn't going to solve the problem.

Why don't we try to use just a few of the same pieces for a few years.

only constants on this offense have been Portis and Samules

5-09-2009 @ 2:01AM

SoaK said...

For all u ppl dat say Campbell faded at the end of the season , ur rite, but so did the o-line, Clinton Portis, the play-calling, the kicking game, evrything except ffor the defense, so if u dont lik Campbell I can understnd y, u hav reasons but dont blame las year on him n leav out evry othr aspect of the team but the defens

5-09-2009 @ 11:50AM

Ramiro Robert Garcia said...

jc has back against the wall.now we will b able 2 see what he is made of. i see playoffs but thats every year.coach zorn and holmgren see something in him, thats more than enough for me. in any other division he would be tops hell we would b in the playoffs every year.now jc has some fire under his feet it should do him some good.colt has the long ball,but what else does he have this is not college or preseason.todd collins i wonder why he has been a backup for 30 something years maybe he just, oh never mind.

5-09-2009 @ 12:39PM

corey15050 said...

Hey, i believe Jason Campbell is a GREAT QB, the fans just wanna see more deep balls, but with out building the offensive line, Jason Campbell wont have time to get the ball off deep. I mean he's getting hit on 3 step drops, come on. How can he show his talent?

5-09-2009 @ 12:44PM

But all and all. I think jason campbell is gonna prove the world wrong.... I think i wanna be a coach.

5-09-2009 @ 4:09PM

Skins17 said...

It's funny to see all these JC haters on here that obviously have no idea what they're talking about...Take note...if you can't even spell 'waste' as in "why waist another year?," or "JC's a waist", why would anyone give your comment any credibility?

5-09-2009 @ 8:30PM

Rodney Collins said...

Being a huge Skins fan, It seems to me like more focus was put on less picks and fumbles and not on actually airing it out and scoring some touchdowns. Great QBs do throw picks, however they have 25 TDs to go with it!

5-22-2009 @ 1:20PM

iceprice3 said...

It seems to me that some people talk about things they don't know about like football, I love football but I'm honest with myself to know that all the things that Jason has been through has not been of his own making like,he can't block, catch the football, and keep teams from scoring in the last minutes of the game and beating us. So all of you jocks that think you know, I have one thing to say, it's a reason why Jason is playing and you are not, so shut up and watch the game.