The Campbell era: past, present, future
source: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/jason-campbell/the-campbell-era-past-present.html
Since Daniel Snyder took over ownership of the Washington Redskins in 1999, Rick Maese writes today, the Redskins have cycled through 10 starting quarterbacks: Brad Johnson, Jeff George, Tony Banks, Patrick Ramsey, Danny Wuerffel, Shane Matthews, Tim Hasselbeck, Mark Brunell, Todd Collins and Jason Campbell.
And, while the offseason promises plenty of questions about the front office, the coaches and many players, the biggest question once again may be one the organization has never successfully answered: who will be the quarterback?"It's not an easy thing to put that whole puzzle together," said former Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy, now an analyst for NBC. "If they decide Jason isn't their guy, then number one, who is? Who's available? Who can you get -- is it someone in the draft? A free agent? Someone in trade? Then second, when you get that guy, now what do you have to put in place around him? Personnel and offensive system to take advantage of what he does? That could mean a lot of people learning something they've never done before."
In that same period, the team has drafted seven quarterbacks, though Campbell and Ramsey were the only two selected in the first four rounds, the only two to start for Washington and the only two anointed as the team's quarterback of the future.
If Snyder's 10 years of ownership have demonstrated anything, it's that quarterback shopping is a perilous venture. The hits are few and far between, and a miss can set back a team for several years. If the Redskins give up on Campbell at the end of the season, they will try to avoid allowing the position to turn into the turnstile it was before Campbell took over the starting job in 2006.
Looking back
A sampling of comments made in the days following the Redskins first-round selection of Jason Campbell in the 2005 NFL Draft:
Joe Gibbs, former Redskins head coach: "But I feel like for us and for the value to the organization long-term, I don't think you ever go wrong with a quarterback. I guess that's what I'm saying: If you've got somebody you think is talented and can play for you, I think you look at that and say, 'Where's the value of the pick?' And we felt like certainly he was the guy we needed to get."
Dave Goldberg, Associated Press: "... looks like a good prospect. But he probably would have been there at 40, the pick the Skins traded, and a lot of people think Charlie Frye of Akron, taken by Cleveland with the third pick of the third round (67), is as good or better."
Unnamed SEC defensive coordinator: "He'd win a beauty contest, and the NFL just sees a tall quarterback with a strong arm. They're obviously not looking at all the other intangibles."
Chris Harry, Orlando Sentinel: "Trading three picks to Denver -- including a 2006 first-rounder -- to take Auburn QB Jason Campbell was the bonehead move of the weekend and furthered the Redskins' reputation as the NFL's most mismanaged front office. Campbell wouldn't have been taken by another team in Round 1, and that first-rounder sent to Denver, given the direction of this franchise, could be the No. 1 overall choice next year. It'll be sad watching Hall-of-Fame Coach Joe Gibbs sink with this ship."
Gary Myers, New York Daily News: "Trading up for Auburn QB Jason Campbell late in the first round does nothing for the Redskins now except create an unnecessary quarterback controversy and more confusion. It makes no sense, which means it makes perfect sense for these dysfunctional Redskins. Why is Gibbs, at the age of 64, taking a late first- round quarterback who is not going to help him win now in a win-now league?"
Don Pierson, Chicago Tribune: "Unless coach Joe Gibbs throws Campbell into the mix right away, this is a draft for next year or the year after."
Jason Campbell, Redskins quarterback: "I'm going to come in and learn as much as possible as quick as I can. Participate in practice, work hard and take everything one step at a time. I feel I can learn a lot from Patrick and especially from Mark Brunell. I think it is a tremendous opportunity for me to learn from those guys and take everything one step at a time."
Tommy Tuberville, former Auburn coach: "I knew the surprise in the draft was going to be Jason Campbell. He's had such great workouts for all of the pro scouts coming by. It kind of reminds me of our season."
Rick Gosselin, Dallas Morning News: "When Joe Gibbs was winning Super Bowls in his first go- round with the Redskins, he had stout quarterback and cornerback play. Auburn teammates Campbell and Rogers give Gibbs a chance for that in 2005."
Tony Kornheiser, former Washington Post columnist: "Look, I hope Campbell is great. I'm just wondering if he looks a little better because of what was around him. Auburn had four players picked in the first round, three in the top nine picks! Obviously, the Redskins loaded their shopping cart with Auburn players. I'm stunned Dan Snyder hasn't tried to sign Charles Barkley yet, or at least offered Tommy Tuberville the flat-screen TV he ordered for Laveranues [Coles]."
Carlton Thompson, Houston Chronicle: "Auburn QB Jason Campbell is talented but probably won't play right away, and the Redskins could have done more with their second first- round pick."
By Cindy Boren | November 8, 2009; 9:37 AM ET
source: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/jason-campbell/the-campbell-era-past-present.html
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