Collins: Redskins’ best offseason acquisition?

By David Murray  |   Wednesday, August 02, 2006  |  Comments( 4 )

Washington Redskins
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!
Many think the Washington Redskins' best offseason moves were to bring in flashy wide receivers Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El to complement the great Santana Moss and emerging tight end Chris Cooley. Others point to the additions of defensive end Andre Carter and tough safety Adam Archuleta as the keys to a potential division title.

On the other hand, many insist that the best thing the Redskins did was to hire Al Saunders as the new offensive coordinator. But to take that thought a step further, perhaps the best thing the Redskins did in the offseason was to bring in Todd Collins, a quarterback who knows how to run Saunders' offense just in case starting quarterback Mark Brunell gets hurt.

I'm kidding, right? No, not really.

If anybody knows Saunders' offense, it's Collins, an 11-year veteran out of Michigan. He has spent the last five seasons in Kansas City with Saunders, and has acquired plenty of know-how on the guru's offensive scheme. In 2005, Collins appeared in only one game and did not attempt a pass. In 2004 he appeared in two games. Between the 2001 and 2003 seasons, Collins played in a total of nine games. He took no snaps at all during the 1998, 1999 and 2000 seasons.

Back in the day, however, Collins was an NFL starter. In 1996, he backed up the legendary Jim Kelly in Buffalo, and also started three games. In 1997, he won the job in Buffalo and started 13 games for the Bills.

Collins' importance becomes magnified in light of the fact that the NFL schedule is long and brutal, and the fact that Brunell is absolutely vital to the offense and will be 36-years-old in September. Brunell did start 15 games a year ago, but he was clearly battered by playoff time and only managed to complete seven passes for 41 yards against Tampa Bay. He suffered a fractured left index finger two months ago and missed mini-camp, but is healthy now and ready to go.

Although second-year man Jason Campbell is the backup, he may need a full year under Saunders to truly comprehend the offensive system. The Redskins and Joe Gibbs, in particular, obviously see much they like in the athletic signalcaller out of Auburn. Playing in the same backfield with Tampa Bay Buccaneers star runner Cadillac Williams, Campbell helped lead the Tigers to a perfect 13-0 season in 2004, a Nokia Sugar Bowl crown and a No. 2 final national ranking.

Collins has been a mentor to Campbell thus far, helping him understand the intricacies of the new offense. All in all, the acquisition of Collins--which might have seemed an afterthought to some--looms vital. In fact, picking up the 34-year-old Collins might prove to be one of the best offseason moves made by the Washington Redskins.

- Like what you're reading? Subscribe to our team specific e-mail alerts! Click on the icon near the top right-hand corner of this page...Get more original Washington Redskins coverage at Realfootball365.com
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (4)

Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report