Jason Campbell still has a shiner under his right eye, the result of a hit he received two games ago. But as
Associated Press sports writer
Joseph White suggests, the pounding Campbell has taken from his own organization this year has been just as bad, so it’s no surprise he doesn’t utter the usual “yes” when asked if he wants to be back with the Washington Redskins next season.
“I just pray about the situation, and whatever happens is going to happen,” he said. “And I’ll be ready for any situation whether it’s here or whether it’s somewhere else.”
White went on to advise readers that Campbell could be making his last Redskins start when Washington visits the San Diego Chargers on Sunday in their regular-season finale.
His contract expires at the end of the season, and he’ll become either a restricted or unrestricted free agent, pending the outcome of NFL labor talks.
While owner Dan Snyder and head coach Jim Zorn don’t see eye-to-eye on everything — indeed, everyone expects Snyder to fire Zorn next week—they seem in agreement that the Redskins can do better at quarterback.
White reminded reader that Snyder tried to acquire Jay Cutler and Mark Sanchez last offseason, and Zorn’s assessment of Campbell on Wednesday was candid and measured.
Zorn started by saying Campbell had improved in two seasons in the West Coast offense, that the quarterback is better at reading coverages and picking secondary receivers, has a quicker release and is more of a threat to run.
“A lot of the people want to just label every quarterback—he’s got to be a franchise player,” Zorn said. “I don’t know if that is where he’s at. I don’t think it is, but I think he just continues to improve as a starting quarterback in this league.”
Asked if Campbell can become a franchise quarterback, Zorn had a long pause.
“I think the way he works, I think his grit and determination, he can,” Zorn said, “but in every instance the QBs all have help from other guys, so that remains to be seen.”
As White explained, Campbell has looked like the type of quarterback who can guide a talented roster to success but not take over a team and lead it there. His 18 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions this season are both career highs, and his QB rating is reliably in the mid 80s.
But he’s also been hamstrung by constant change around him.
He played for four offensive coordinators at Auburn and has had three different offensive systems in his five seasons with the Redskins. He’s expecting to have to learn a new scheme next year, either with another team or under a new Washington coach.
“I’m used to it by now,” he said with a laugh. “At the same time, how many offenses are really out there?”
Campbell also has been unable to get comfortable in the pocket because of the Redskins’ failure to address the offensive line. He’s been sacked 100 times since the start of the 2007 season, third most in the NFL behind Ben Roethlisberger and David Garrard.
Here's hoping he finds some success on his next stop in the league. ...
Also of interest. ... Devin Thomas (ankle) was held out of practice a second-straight day Thursday making it increasingly unlikely the second-year receiver will be ready to return to action. Thomas missed last week's game with the same injury.
Malcolm Kelly will start if Thomas can't go.
Santana Moss (knee) returned to practice fully Thursday after working on a limited basis Wednesday.
