SkinsRaj28
04-24-2009, 03:24 PM
I apologize for the length of the post, but I felt like killing a ton of time at work today. Woop.
Regardless of whether or not you're sold on Jason Campbell as the Washington Redskins' long-term starting quarterback, aren't the Redskins obligated to trade up and draft Mark Sanchez at this point? I think so.
Washington has done everything in its power to make it known that its not buying into that idea, first by trying to trade for Jay Cutler, and now by letting the rumors circulate about its interest in Sanchez. Daniel Snyder apparently loves the guy's charisma and thinks he's a franchise QB, something he clearly doesn't feel about the guy currently taking the snaps. And to be fair, Campbell doesn't ooze the confidence and swagger that fans, players, and management alike would like to see from their signal-caller.
But whether or not Snyder and Washington are as in love with Sanchez as has been reported, the team has essentially backed itself into this decision. The Redskins have alienated Campbell to the point of no return. Unless the guy has a Pro Bowl-type season, he's gone after the season when his contract expires. And should he struggle out of the gates, the calls for his benching would never be louder.
For the record, I think Campbell has all the tools to be a quality starting QB in the NFL, but I'm resigned to the fact that if and when that does happen, it's not going to be in D.C. Campbell was a Gibbs pick; neither Snyder nor the current staff has any loyalty to him.
But while Campbell doesn't appear to fit into Washington's long-term plans, that doesn't mean he shouldn't be the starter this coming season. In fact, assuming he isn't included in any trade offer, the Redskins' playoff hopes will ride on him. For all his ability, Sanchez is still going to be a rookie with less than two seasons of college starting experience and simply won't be ready to take over the reigns and have a great deal of success. But more importantly, the NFC East is ripe for the picking. Consider this:
- Dallas enters the season with its typical inflated expectations but minus Terrell Owens, who for all the baggage he brings to the table, was still a 1,000-yard receiver last year and caught 10 touchdown passes. Replacing him is last year's trade acquisition Roy Williams, a talented receiver whose production has never lived up to his reputation as an elite WR (he's only surpassed 80 catches and 1,000 yards once in his career).
Also factor in that the rest of the league gets one more year of Wade Phillips at the helm, an early Christmas present from Jerry Jones. Phillips is a nice guy and a decent coach, but it's become apparent that he's not going to be the guy to lead the Cowboys to the promised land.
- New York wasn't the same team without Plaxico Burress this past season and now faces life without him for good. As of Friday, the Giants' current starter WRs are Steve Smith (not THE Steve Smith) and Domenik Hixon. Put it this way: There's a reason why New York has been linked to possible trades with every big-name WR on the market. But even if it lands Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards, is it reasonable to expect one of those guys to step in and have as much of an impact in that offense as Burress did, especially right off the bat? Sorry, Giants fans, but the answer to that question is no.
Don't discount the loss of Derrick Ward, either. His versatility out of the backfield was a key component in New York's offense, and it remains to be seen whether Ahmad Bradshaw can give the Giants the same contribution over the course of the season.
- Philadelphia seems to be the class of the division, but Donovan McNabb is a year older and the WR corps is still a liability. Desean Jackson needs to take the next step in his progression as an elite pass-catcher. The Eagles will also have to experience life without Brian Dawkins, who's past his prime but was still one of the leaders of the defensive unit.
Still, it's hard to find any major flaw, and the acquisition of LT Jason Peters makes Philadelphia the clear-cut favorite in the NFC East as of right now.
The point is that Washington has an opportunity to leapfrog two of its rivals this season and get back in the playoffs. Assuming (or hoping, rather) that newly-acquired Albert Haynesworth doesn't gain 100 lbs. in the first year of his contract and DeAngelo Hall doesn't tank after getting paid, the defense should once again be the strength of this team. If the offense can hold up its end of the deal, the Redskins could be playoff-bound, which is why Campbell needs to be the starting quarterback. Even if he's on his way out, he has everything to play for this season. A great season will net him a nice contract and a starting job in 2010 somewhere. His critics have never been louder than now; he has a chance to silence them. And with a season under his belt in Jim Zorn's offense, there's no reason to think that he won't be able to run the offense efficiently, so long as he can work his way through all the offseason distractions.
I know Campbell has said he'll request a trade if the Redskins do draft Sanchez, but the team would be wise to ignore that request. Keeping him would be beneficial for both sides, whether Campbell can see that right now or not.
Sanchez could very well be the future of the franchise and after the self-inflicted turmoil of this offseason and alienation of its current starter, Washington would be wise to do whatever it takes to land him. But either way, Campbell should be the starter for at least one more season. The Redskins' playoff hopes depend on it.
Think the Redskins should move up to draft Sanchez? Or is Campbell going to rise to the occasion, much like Derek Anderson did two seasons ago in Cleveland? Chime in with your thoughts.
http://www.sickwiththerock.com/2009/...nchez-but.html
Edit:
Let me add quickly that while I feel that at this point we have to draft Sanchez, I DO NOT want it to happen. It'd be completely nonsensical from a needs perspective. Even if you don't think Campbell is the long-term solution, the Skins have much more pressing needs that, if filled, could give them a legitimate chance at a division title with just an adequate Campbell at the helm.
Great teams build from the inside-out. They solidify their lines first and then worry about the skill positions. The Redskins regularly go against this philosophy and we've all seen the results. I'd much rather they get an OL like Oher or Smith (if he somehow falls to us) or get a playmaker on the edge, but if there's one thing the Skins have showed us about their draft and team-building strategy, it's this:
If it makes sense, it ain't happening.
This team has put my heart through the ringer over the years, but I guess I'm a glutton for punishment.
Regardless of whether or not you're sold on Jason Campbell as the Washington Redskins' long-term starting quarterback, aren't the Redskins obligated to trade up and draft Mark Sanchez at this point? I think so.
Washington has done everything in its power to make it known that its not buying into that idea, first by trying to trade for Jay Cutler, and now by letting the rumors circulate about its interest in Sanchez. Daniel Snyder apparently loves the guy's charisma and thinks he's a franchise QB, something he clearly doesn't feel about the guy currently taking the snaps. And to be fair, Campbell doesn't ooze the confidence and swagger that fans, players, and management alike would like to see from their signal-caller.
But whether or not Snyder and Washington are as in love with Sanchez as has been reported, the team has essentially backed itself into this decision. The Redskins have alienated Campbell to the point of no return. Unless the guy has a Pro Bowl-type season, he's gone after the season when his contract expires. And should he struggle out of the gates, the calls for his benching would never be louder.
For the record, I think Campbell has all the tools to be a quality starting QB in the NFL, but I'm resigned to the fact that if and when that does happen, it's not going to be in D.C. Campbell was a Gibbs pick; neither Snyder nor the current staff has any loyalty to him.
But while Campbell doesn't appear to fit into Washington's long-term plans, that doesn't mean he shouldn't be the starter this coming season. In fact, assuming he isn't included in any trade offer, the Redskins' playoff hopes will ride on him. For all his ability, Sanchez is still going to be a rookie with less than two seasons of college starting experience and simply won't be ready to take over the reigns and have a great deal of success. But more importantly, the NFC East is ripe for the picking. Consider this:
- Dallas enters the season with its typical inflated expectations but minus Terrell Owens, who for all the baggage he brings to the table, was still a 1,000-yard receiver last year and caught 10 touchdown passes. Replacing him is last year's trade acquisition Roy Williams, a talented receiver whose production has never lived up to his reputation as an elite WR (he's only surpassed 80 catches and 1,000 yards once in his career).
Also factor in that the rest of the league gets one more year of Wade Phillips at the helm, an early Christmas present from Jerry Jones. Phillips is a nice guy and a decent coach, but it's become apparent that he's not going to be the guy to lead the Cowboys to the promised land.
- New York wasn't the same team without Plaxico Burress this past season and now faces life without him for good. As of Friday, the Giants' current starter WRs are Steve Smith (not THE Steve Smith) and Domenik Hixon. Put it this way: There's a reason why New York has been linked to possible trades with every big-name WR on the market. But even if it lands Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards, is it reasonable to expect one of those guys to step in and have as much of an impact in that offense as Burress did, especially right off the bat? Sorry, Giants fans, but the answer to that question is no.
Don't discount the loss of Derrick Ward, either. His versatility out of the backfield was a key component in New York's offense, and it remains to be seen whether Ahmad Bradshaw can give the Giants the same contribution over the course of the season.
- Philadelphia seems to be the class of the division, but Donovan McNabb is a year older and the WR corps is still a liability. Desean Jackson needs to take the next step in his progression as an elite pass-catcher. The Eagles will also have to experience life without Brian Dawkins, who's past his prime but was still one of the leaders of the defensive unit.
Still, it's hard to find any major flaw, and the acquisition of LT Jason Peters makes Philadelphia the clear-cut favorite in the NFC East as of right now.
The point is that Washington has an opportunity to leapfrog two of its rivals this season and get back in the playoffs. Assuming (or hoping, rather) that newly-acquired Albert Haynesworth doesn't gain 100 lbs. in the first year of his contract and DeAngelo Hall doesn't tank after getting paid, the defense should once again be the strength of this team. If the offense can hold up its end of the deal, the Redskins could be playoff-bound, which is why Campbell needs to be the starting quarterback. Even if he's on his way out, he has everything to play for this season. A great season will net him a nice contract and a starting job in 2010 somewhere. His critics have never been louder than now; he has a chance to silence them. And with a season under his belt in Jim Zorn's offense, there's no reason to think that he won't be able to run the offense efficiently, so long as he can work his way through all the offseason distractions.
I know Campbell has said he'll request a trade if the Redskins do draft Sanchez, but the team would be wise to ignore that request. Keeping him would be beneficial for both sides, whether Campbell can see that right now or not.
Sanchez could very well be the future of the franchise and after the self-inflicted turmoil of this offseason and alienation of its current starter, Washington would be wise to do whatever it takes to land him. But either way, Campbell should be the starter for at least one more season. The Redskins' playoff hopes depend on it.
Think the Redskins should move up to draft Sanchez? Or is Campbell going to rise to the occasion, much like Derek Anderson did two seasons ago in Cleveland? Chime in with your thoughts.
http://www.sickwiththerock.com/2009/...nchez-but.html
Edit:
Let me add quickly that while I feel that at this point we have to draft Sanchez, I DO NOT want it to happen. It'd be completely nonsensical from a needs perspective. Even if you don't think Campbell is the long-term solution, the Skins have much more pressing needs that, if filled, could give them a legitimate chance at a division title with just an adequate Campbell at the helm.
Great teams build from the inside-out. They solidify their lines first and then worry about the skill positions. The Redskins regularly go against this philosophy and we've all seen the results. I'd much rather they get an OL like Oher or Smith (if he somehow falls to us) or get a playmaker on the edge, but if there's one thing the Skins have showed us about their draft and team-building strategy, it's this:
If it makes sense, it ain't happening.
This team has put my heart through the ringer over the years, but I guess I'm a glutton for punishment.