QB change comes at right time in Washington

By Connor Byrne  |   Tuesday, November 14, 2006  |  Comments( 15 )

Washington Redskins
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After suffering a humiliating 27-3 defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10, the Washington Redskins decided on Monday to finally make a change at quarterback. Veteran Mark Brunell started the 3-6 Skins' first nine games, amassing solid stats, with eight touchdown passes compared to four interceptions. However, the numbers don't justify the negatives Brunell brought to the table, such as a lack of mobility.

Taking the place of Brunell against Tampa Bay in Week 11 will be second-year man Jason Campbell, a first-round pick in the 2005 draft. The 25-year-old Campbell, a former star at Auburn University, where he led the Tigers to a 13-0 record in 2004, possesses all the traits great QBs tend to have. First of all, there's the size. Campbell, at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, has the ideal build coaches and scouts look for in young passers. Adding to that is the Mississippi native's excellent athleticism and terrific arm strength.

Believe it or not, Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs isn't throwing in the towel by making the QB change. In fact, Campbell may give Washington a better chance to win than the past-his-prime Brunell. Consider that the two NFC wild card spots are very much up for grabs, with no single team standing out above the rest.

Currently, aside from the conference's four division leaders, there are eight teams considered to be in the playoff hunt: Philadelphia (5-4), Dallas (5-4), Atlanta (5-4), Carolina (5-4), Green Bay (4-5), Minnesota (4-5), San Francisco (4-5), St. Louis (4-5).

Out of the abovementioned eight wild card combatants, the Redskins have the opportunity to face four - Philadelphia, Atlanta, Carolina, St. Louis - in the final seven games. Washington's other three contests are matchups at Tampa (this week), at New Orleans (Week 15) and the team's season-ending showdown at the Meadowlands against the NFC East-leading Giants.

Clearly, when looking at the Redskins' final seven weeks, it's safe to say their schedule is far from easy. However, even with a lackluster .333 winning percentage, the ultra-disappointing Skins are still alive in the mediocre NFC. Without question, they can thank parity for that.

Now, back to the offense.

Through the first nine weeks of the season, the Redskins totaled just 165 points. Therefore, they're averaging just over 18 points per game. When Al Saunders was brought in to call the offensive plays, that lack of production is certainly not what Washington had in mind. However, given the offensive struggles, making the switch to Campbell could prove to be the best decision. After all, he can't do much worse than a meager 18 points per week. Unless you're the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, that's not going to get the job done.

Campbell's spent his first two pro seasons being schooled on the bench. Finally, it's his time to make a name for himself on the field. For the former 25th overall pick, the quest begins.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

Get more on the Washington Redskins at RealFootball365.com.
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