Why Are We So Divided On Jason Campbell?

[12thMan]

In an effort to narrow the scope of our conversation when it comes to evaluting Jason Campbell and possibly his future as a Washington Redskin, I want to broach this topic from a different angle. His stats are what they are, so there's no debating his production. We're well aware of the woes along the offensive line and the carousel of offensive coordinators and systems since he's been here. Been there, done that. But it's perplexing to me how we all watch the same guy for five years now and yet we're still split down the middle on him.

If I throw out a few names like Philip Rivers or Eli Manning, Donovan McNabb or David Garrard, most fans could tell you with certainty what they like and dislike about those QBs, but there's also consensus whether or not they're good enough to take their teams to the next level. Not so with Campbell and Redskins fans it seems.

Most Skins fans fall into one of two camps when opining about Jason Campbell: a) He has all the tools and potential, but he needs more help and talent around him and has been handcuffed, to some extent, by the team's offensive philosphy or b) Campbell has had long enough to develop into a great NFL quarterback, but he's been eratic, at best, and displays little leadership and isn't an accurate passer.

It's a very odd relationship. I don't know, maybe this is really an excercise in fan phsycology more than evaluating an NFL quarterback. Finally, let me go on the record saying that if the Redskins decide not to retain Campbell's services next season I think either Oakland or San Francisco could be a likely scenerio.

[12thMan]

Mods, can I get a P in Campbell?

[mredskins]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

Mods, can I get a P in Campbell?

Ewwww, you just went all R. Kelly on CamPbell and want the Mods to help you. =)

[Ruhskins]

People are so divided on Campbell because narrow-minded/Snyder-like fans believe that he's the only reason we're not doing well, and also believe that those of us who don't think like this are Campbell apologists.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

People are so divided on Campbell because narrow-minded/Snyder-like fans believe that he's the only reason we're not doing well, and also believe that those of us who don't think like this are Campbell apologists.

Oh so if someone does not view JC as you do they are narrow minded. That statement by itself is norrow minded. I'm split on JC one minute he looks great then he makes a stupid play. If he is gone next year I wouldn't really care or if we gave him another year I would not mind. The only thing I don't want us to do is to sign him to any thing more then a 1 or 2 year deal and the only way I think he would do that if no other team makes a better offer.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by firstdown

Oh so if someone does not view JC as you do they are narrow minded. That statement by itself is norrow minded. I'm split on JC one minute he looks great then he makes a stupid play. If he is gone next year I wouldn't really care or if we gave him another year I would not mind. The only thing I don't want us to do is to sign him to any thing more then a 1 or 2 year deal and the only way I think he would do that if no other team makes a better offer.

Apparently you didn't read my post...

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

People are so divided on Campbell because narrow-minded/Snyder-like fans believe that he's the only reason we're not doing well, and also believe that those of us who don't think like this are Campbell apologists.

I don't care whether people think he's good or bad...I just don't think he's the only problem this team has and that to me is being narrow-minded. I've been saying that he should be brought back only as competition or as a back up role. I do agree that he's up and down on his play. But given the so-so crop of FA QBs, I would say keep him to a short low-cost contract.

[mredskins]

Originally Posted by firstdown

Oh so if someone does not view JC as you do they are narrow minded. That statement by itself is norrow minded. I'm split on JC one minute he looks great then he makes a stupid play. If he is gone next year I wouldn't really care or if we gave him another year I would not mind. The only thing I don't want us to do is to sign him to any thing more then a 1 or 2 year deal and the only way I think he would do that if no other team makes a better offer.

I agree, would not mind him as a back up.

[tryfuhl]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

People are so divided on Campbell because narrow-minded/Snyder-like fans believe that he's the only reason we're not doing well, and also believe that those of us who don't think like this are Campbell apologists.

Somebody not liking Campbell does NOT mean that they think that he is the only reason.

[Chico23231]

Choice B at this point. JC has skills no doubt and can make some plays, but I think the end of the game yesterday sums up what I expect from him, not to get it done when the game is on the line. Doesnt have it. Is JC our biggest problem? Nope. But, he not bringing anything to the table to really elevate this team offensively. Look at Win-Losses and Look at our offense as a whole...garbage, bottom 3 in league. Is this all JC's fault. Nope. Is he a contributing factor, Yep.

[maroonandblack30]

its impossible to judge Campbell fairly with this O-line...I think he could be solid with a good line and at least 1 legit #1 WR.

I mean who is really a better option than him for NEXT year? Even if Snyder does what we think he will and drafts a QB with their first pick you still need someone to play while the new guy learns.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by maroonandblack30

its impossible to judge Campbell fairly with this O-line...I think he could be solid with a good line and at least 1 legit #1 WR.

I mean who is really a better option than him for NEXT year? Even if Snyder does what we think he will and drafts a QB with their first pick you still need someone to play while the new guy learns.

The only guy that looks the part is Clausen. He'll be gone to Stl by the time we pick. Otherwise I say you bring JC back cause there really isn't anyone else out there that's any better. But I also think it's going to come down to the new HC.

[44Deezel]

Originally Posted by maroonandblack30

its impossible to judge Campbell fairly with this O-line...I think he could be solid with a good line and at least 1 legit #1 WR.

I mean who is really a better option than him for NEXT year? Even if Snyder does what we think he will and drafts a QB with their first pick you still need someone to play while the new guy learns.

Agreed, but before Samuels went down, the O line wasn't THAT bad. Was it elite? Hell no. And even during the 6-2 start last year, Campbell only had 8 TD passes. So that's the question that's dogged me. Does Campbell need everything else around him to be absolutely be perfect in order to be successful or does he have enough talent to compensate for other deficiencies (limited time in a system, lack of all-pro WRs, poor pass protection)?

He was one of the least sacked QBs in the league after 4 games, yet the Offense looked putrid. Remember the first half of the Chiefs game? But after watching Sherm Lewis call plays and the emergence of Davis, Kelly and Thomas, it reinforces my belief that Zorn did more to hinder than help Campbell. That DT, Kelly and Davis hardly played last year on one of the worst Offenses in the league is criminal on Zorn's part. They can obviously play and Zorn obviously can't coach.

All this said, I've been impressed with Campbell's play of late and the way he's handled everything. I think the Skins should re-sign him next year (because he won't get any ridiculous offers), but use their first pick to draft a QB. Maybe they find themselves in a Brees/Rivers scenario, which isn't a bad place to be. The O line can be addressed in Free Agency and with their other draft picks. They're deep at TE. Trade someone for picks. TEs don't win Super Bowls.

[CRedskinsRule]

Well, I would say the argument revolves around the infamous "IT" factor.

Many, including myself, saw JC's stats, and constant progression and felt he could be a starter for a long time. The defense of that position is clearly demonstrated in the His stats don't lie thread, where Buster has done the weekly tracking, and by GTripp's excellent analysis over the past years.

Others look first at the W/L column, and ask the question but can he win, or does he make the team better (like a qb is "supposed" to do). This is subjective, and most of the time people have tried to back it up with football lingo - slow release, can't anticipate, - which the stat people then try to disprove.

The one thing I think everyone now agrees, is that at this point JC has had his 5 years, we ought to look at a open competition next year, and at the least JC is a valid backup. Not many would question putting a 3rd round tender on him, and most would agree with a 2nd round tender.

Me, i am ready for a new qb, assuming we first get the OL fixed.

[SmootSmack]

This isn't something new though. Haven't we experienced this with other QBs-Ramsey, Brunell, even others like Frerotte, Kilmer/Jurgensen, Humphries...?

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

This isn't something new though. Haven't we experienced this with other QBs-Ramsey, Brunell, even others like Frerotte, Kilmer/Jurgensen, Humphries...?

Well, yes and no. Correct me if I'm wrong, but of the QBs recently drafted by the Redskins, Jason Campbell has lasted the longest at five years. And all the others were legit controversies. Frerotte/Shuler, Ramsey/Brunell, and Kilmer/Jurgensen. They were competing with a number two guy for the starting spot.

Campbell is unique in that he has had the reigns all to himself for a solid 3 1/2 years and we remain divided on whether or not he's the guy of the future. By now you would think most people would be on one side of the fence. Ask any Carolina fan what they think of Jake Delhomme and I'll bet most tell you it's time for him to go.

At what point does the future become the present and a part of the past?