Does Colt Brennan Have a Chance to Be The Redskins' Starter in 2010?*

I think it's fair to say that Jason Campbell, the Redskins' 2005 first-round pick, has yet to live up to expectations. It's not entirely his doing -- Washington is notoriously tough on young quarterbacks, particularly in a Joe Gibbs system (which Campbell found himself for the first three years of his career) -- but that doesn't make fans and media suddenly more forgiving.

Whatever -- as the 'Skins begin training camp, Campbell begins his fifth NFL season. He's also in the last year of his rookie contract, which means that his long-term future in Washington will be decided in the next five months. Some fans (and Peter King!) are willing to give him this season to prove his worth, while others, unimpressed with what they've seen in 29 career starts, would gladly turn the page on the Campbell era.

And that means, of course, to bring on Colt Brennan. Or something.

(By the way, it's worth mentioning that eight games into the 2008 season, when the Redskins were 6-2, ESPN analyst Ron Jaworksi called Campbell his "first half [of the season] MVP." That's not to say Campbell's destined for Canton, just that maybe he's not as bad as some fans would like to believe.)

In February, weeks after the Redskins put a wrap on Jim Zorn's rookie season, The National Football Post's Michael Lombardi suggested that 2009 could be Campbell's last in DC. And maybe that happens. But it won't be because the organization is eager to give the job to Brennan, David Elfin throwaway lines aside.

While backup quarterbacks Todd Collins and Colt Brennan have made their share of nice throws, neither is a threat to starter Jason Campbell. Zorn spends more time with Brennan because the second-year man needs more coaching... and maybe because Brennan could wind up starting in 2010 if Campbell leaves as a free agent. Collins will turn 39 that November -- not exactly prime time for an NFL starter.

I can't imagine Elfin believes there's a realistic scenario that has Brennan under center for the Redskins in 2010. And even if Brennan was an option, no way owner Dan Snyder, who has a predilection for high-priced free agents, lets it happen. In fact, there's a better chance that Michael Vick and Antwaan Randle El start at quarterback for the 'Skins in the A-11 offense.

Back on Earth, it's Campbell's job to lose and Brennan is left to star in Chris Cooley short films.

* rhetorical

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

8-01-2009 @ 5:18PM

Adam said...

Here we go...

8-01-2009 @ 7:18PM

slade said...

Having been a Jets fan all my life but now living in Northern Virginia, I have seen a lot of Campbell the past few years and I just don't think he has it. He has a long delivery and doesn't seem to be decivive on his throws to his receivers. Snyder seems to suffer from a bout of veteran despair, his choices have been terrible.

8-01-2009 @ 8:22PM

bchbunz1 said...

i hope this is campbells last yr hes brought nuthing but question marks his whoole career

8-01-2009 @ 9:28PM

doug1056 said...

Let's see what Colt can do, given the same chance that Campbell has had he may have turned into a pro-bowler?

8-01-2009 @ 9:51PM

Eddie Barbour said...

I have yet to see a quarterback that can throw while on his back. The defensive players are in the backfied so quickly all the pass patterns as 10 yards or less. Guess what, that puts 11 in the box. The Redskin signal calling is too predictable. Long time Redskin fan, I rememeber Eddie Lebaron. Go Skins

8-02-2009 @ 7:34AM

Kai said...

This is not a fair article for Jason. and to all the Colt Brennan Worshipers, a good preseason does not make you Tom Brady? Being a Redskin Super Fan I know that we can be rough on QB's but man everyone up here sounds like Dan Synder

8-03-2009 @ 11:59PM

samm said...

Exactly kai is right keep in mind in prreaseason hes playin against third stringrs...to prove a good preaseason doesnt mean a good reg season...the lions went 4-0 last yr in preaseason...enuf said...

8-02-2009 @ 12:52PM

mitch said...

I am not a skins fan but this kid deserves a chance.He has had to learn a new offense every year! This will be the second year with the same system.So after this year you will have a better idea of his talent.A little protection doesnt hurt either.

8-02-2009 @ 3:21PM

jerry said...

well all i can say is that jc has had to many chances at being the QB but how many more years does he need to hit a wide open reciever yea he might have had over 3 thousand yards last year but how many tds did he score plus when we went 6-2 to start clinton portis was the one we could thank for that not jc when clinton got hurt we went 2-6 where was jc then if the REDSKINS want to have a winning season put colt in what is the WORST WE CAN DO not make the playoffs like jc i think its HIGH TIME we at least give COLT A CHANCE FOR ONCE at least he can hit a wide reciever and score a few tds EVEN IF IT WAS IN PRESEASON at least he did move the ball and score what did jc do in preseason he sure didnt score many points like colt did

8-02-2009 @ 3:39PM

redskins227 said...

jason campbell should be ready and albert haynesworthes should help M. Washington and H.B. blade's and Byron Westbrook it's gonna be a great season 4 us. can w8t until da 13 of August and da first game in da season. dis is me skins baby

8-02-2009 @ 9:51PM

jb574s said...

Jason has tried to fit in to several different coaches and has faired well but not in my opinion as a Pro Quarterback. He does not work well with his receivers and waits until they are open before he adjusts or he is looking at his pass routes most of the time. He does not have the feet to excute the West Coast Style of play that is required for him to be successful.

Prove me wrong and I will be happy to say I was wrong.

8-03-2009 @ 2:18AM

pimpennva said...

J CAMPBELL IS A PRO BOWL CALIBER QB IN MY OPINION...I SAY LET HIM PLAY FOR HIS CAREER THIS SEASON...IF HES A BUST WE CUT HIM...HE KNOWS AS GOOD AS ANYBODY IF HE HAS A 10 WIN SEASON SNYDER WILL PAY HIM BETTER THAN ANY OWNER IN FOOTBALL...ITS A LUXURY TO HAVE A QB ON THE ROSTER WITH POTENTIAL LIKE BRENNAN

8-05-2009 @ 11:11AM

ryan said...

Colt is not even that good! he throws INTs all the time in practice. In my opinion Colt should become at least the 2ND string guy before we even THINK of making him a starter.

8-09-2009 @ 12:52PM

BlairHawaii said...

When Jason is unable to cut it, Colt will have

his day on the playing field. And will then

proved its worth. Malamapono, Colt Brennen.

8-23-2009 @ 1:31AM

i suppose u guys think chase daniel should start now?...get over it..campbell is the guy this yr

8-28-2009 @ 5:16PM

James said...

I have been following The Redskins since they acquired John Riggins from The Jets back in 1976-77...I just don't think Jason Campbell has the fire & desire it takes to be successful in Washington...I really hope that this will be his "break out" year otherwise I'm thinking, this is it for him...

8-29-2009 @ 11:39AM

no sh**