The biggest question in my mind facing the Redskins this season was how Jason Campbell would perform under new coach Jim Zorn. After all, this would be his seventh offense in eight years. So much depends on Campbell's showing, and thus far he's delivered an emphatic message with his play.
Campbell has shown he has the poise and presence needed to make any throw and lead a team. He looks as if he can manage a game and also sling it around. He's not afraid, nor is he anxious. He has been just what the Redskins were hoping for.
Last week, he went 5-of-5 passing for 61 yards and a touchdown. This week against the Buffalo Bills, he went 7-of-10 for 71 yards and led a scoring drive in one quarter of play. Combine those stats and he's 12-of-15 for 132 yards and a TD in about two quarters of play. Could Zorn ask for more?
He hasn't forced anything. He's spread the ball around to the likes of Chris Cooley, James Thrash, Antwaan Randle El, Santana Moss, and more. He's led the team on two scoring drives in four possessions. This is the start of something good.
I know it's only preseason, but Campbell has been lights out. That's something I believe he will be able to translate into some regular season confidence. When the 'Skins get up early on an opponent this year, there will be no backing down.
The game itself (won by Washington, 17-14) was not as tight as last week's. The offensive line left much to be desired, as Jon Jansen was worked on all night. With his injury history and preseason performance, there has to be some concern for Joe Bugel. Chad Rinehart played well, though, and could end up saving the 'Skins should Jansen continue his poor play.
The receivers were in sync early, as Moss and Randle El both caught passes from Campbell. The second drive featured a lot of Clinton Portis, who rushed for 18 yards on seven carries. Portis seemingly went through the motions, something that I, for one, do not like to see. It took him four plays to punch it in from inside the five, which isn't a good sign. Kudos to Zorn for making sure the goal-line formation was run correctly. It's preseason, so why not work out the kinks.
Todd Collins ran the show following this and experienced mixed results. He threw the first pick of the preseason, but also looked a bit more confident in Zorn's system, throwing a 12-yard score to Ladell Betts, making it 14-3.
Betts ran hard tonight, but did come off the field limping at the half. I like to see the passion in Betts' running because I haven't seen that in Portis since 2005. Portis could be so much better if he ran with more of a fire. I know he's been banged up, but now he's healthy so it's time to step it up.
The Bills scored late in the half and made a two-point conversion to tie it up at 14 at the half. In the second half, both defenses tightened, the Bills yielding just a field goal on a third-quarter drive led by Colt Brennan. Brennan returned to earth yesterday with an average performance. He connected often with Billy McMullen, who really put a chokehold on that coveted No. 6 wideout spot with six catches for 55 yards.
Derek Devine quarterbacked the final frame and the longshot underthrew running back Nehemiah Broughton in the end zone on a fourth-and-goal play.
The Bills tried to tie the game early in the fourth, but Ryan Lindell missed a 47-yarder and the Bills never threatened again.
The 'Skins first-team defense got the job done, allowing just one first down. Reed Doughty sacked JP Losman on a safety blitz, while Shawn Springs dropped an interception at the other safety position. Andre Carter knocked down a pass, while Jason Taylor stayed quiet, but, overall, there were no glaring issues.
The Bills moved the ball late in the second half, scoring 10 points on two consecutive drives. Losman threw a nice touchdown pass to James Hardy, who beat Leigh Torrence on the play. However, the Bills did not score again.
Now for some quick thoughts:
James Thrash was hit-or-miss tonight. He ran a great slant to set up a first-and-goal, but had his fade route altered earlier. Add the offensive pass interference, and it wasn't the best night for him. But we know he can play, so no worries.
Matt Sinclair logged six tackles and made a case to make the final roster. Fellow linebacker Alfred Fincher recovered a fumble and made five tackles.
Newly signed safety Justin Hamilton had a great night, landing two great hits, one of which caused a fumble.
Safety Kareem Moore was injured and helped off the field, as was receiver Anthony Mix
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