No Thanks, Jay Cutler, Redskins Should Stick with Jason Campbell

So Jay Cutler is now a Chicago Bear, and Jason Campbell is still a Washington Redskin.

Thank you, Chicago, for paying a ransom for crybaby Cutler. And thank you, Daniel Snyder, for having the sense to not out pay the Bears.

I don’t dispute the fact that Cutler is a talented quarterback who has achieved more statistical success in a shorter period of time and at a younger age than Campbell—but this was the wrong move at the wrong time.

Ultimately, Campbell may never become as good as Cutler. But for a change, as Redskins owner, Snyder must be patient, grow the team organically, and let everyone—fans included—reach a natural conclusion with some closure.

Both Campbell and Head Coach Jim Zorn must be given sufficient time to toil and either succeed or fail.

One year for Campbell in Zorn’s rookie offensive system is inadequate to measure Campbell. Really, he needs three full years with Zorn before we can confidently declare Campbell’s a bust, but neither he nor Zorn will be given that much leash because Snyder just doesn’t have that kind of patience. 

But at a minimum, Campbell has to get a second year under his belt in this hybrid west coast offense developed by Zorn—and hopefully with an improved offensive line and more production from second-year receivers Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly, and Fred Davis.

While there’s a lot to blame on the Snyder front, I don’t blame management for not committing long-term to Campbell in terms of a new contract. 

The jury is clearly out on whether No. 17 is a franchise quarterback worth investing many millions over the next half decade. Basically, if you make a mistake at the quarterback position, it takes 4-6 years for a team to recover. 

The Detroit Lions are still spiraling downward following the Joey Harrington disaster.  Even if they draft Matthew Stafford this year, it will take another three years to determine whether he’s the real deal or not.

Here’s what we learned about Campbell last yeear.

THE GOOD:

• He proved he can protect the ball. His 1.19 interception percentage (only six picks in 506 pass attempts) was the best in the entire NFL.
• His big arm has the potential to win games. Many NFL quarterbacks couldn’t complete the 67-yard beauty to Santana Moss which beat the New Orleans Saints in Week Two...certainly not Colt Brennan, who is beloved by many Redskins fans.

• His mobility extends drives. On countless occasions, Campbell scrambled for long gains on third down, which turned would-be sacks into first downs.
• He’s on the upward swing. Statistically and intangibly he improved in all phases of his game.
• His poise and even-keeled demeanor. He seems to project a quiet balanced confidence that is well-suited for performing under pressure.

THE BAD:

• He’s not an ideal fit for the west coast offense, which emphasizes quick reads and short passes. He’s better suited for a vertical passing system favored by the likes of Norv Turner and the Oakland Raiders.
• He’s not a vocal or fiery leader, but this is overrated. Tom Brady isn’t either.
• Thirteen touchdown passes in 506 pass attempts is paltry.
• When the offense became stagnant, Campbell couldn’t carry the team on his own and too often he couldn’t ignite a spark. But few quarterbacks can succeed with faulty pass protection, limited receiving weapons, and a faltering running game. Again, look at Brady and the Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants in 2008. The Patriots offensive juggernaut was stymied for only 14 points by New York’s defense.
• Supposedly he locks into receivers and doesn’t always make the best read—but without personal exposure to game film and study, I can’t comment authoritatively about this. Unfortunately, this is among the most important factors. World-class physical tools don’t mean a thing if you can’t translate athleticism into execution. Think Michael Vick.

So 2009 is Campbell’s make-or-break year...but Snyder nearly pulled the plug on this evaluation at the most critical juncture. 

It’s hard to believe that a guy so smart in making money could be so dumb in running a football team. 

He keeps making the same mistake—operating the Washington Redskins like a fantasy football team. 

You can’t just pluck Cutler away from Mike Shanahan’s proven offensive system, stud receiver Brandon Marshall, and a better offensive line—then expect 4,500 yards, 25 touchdowns, and another Pro Bowl performance as a Redskin. 

The way Zorn coordinated his offense last year, even Brady or Peyton Manning might not muster that type of production.

So I’m relieved that the Cutler saga is over and Redskins Nation can move forward to draw a conclusion on Campbell by year’s end. 

Even if the result is another non-playoff season and Campbell demonstrates he’s not worth building a foundation upon, then the Redskins can cut ties with Campbell and the organization and fan base can move on. 

Too often I’ve been frustrated by a lack of closure because the Redskins can’t plot and maintain a steady plan of action.

In 2002, Marty Schottenheimer got sacked after only one season as head coach and was replaced by Steve Spurrier. 

Then, Spurrier abruptly resigned and Joe Gibbs returned to the sidelines in 2004. Patrick Ramsey was drafted in the first round, but never got a fair shake as the starting quarterback. 

In 2008, Coach Gibbs prematurely called it quits...again. 

And throughout the Snyder era, a ton of players have come and gone through the revolving doors at Redskins Park.

As a youngster, my first sports love was the Baltimore Orioles and first baseman Eddie Murray. 

After years of disgust with owner Peter Angelos, my fondness for the Orioles eroded and now I only halfheartedly root for them. 

My Redskins fervor eclipses anything I ever felt for the Orioles, but I hope that Snyder doesn’t drive me away like Angelos did.

Is Jason Campbell a franchise quarterback? Can he lead the Redskins to a Super Bowl?

Nobody knows right now, but let’s put Campbell in perspective with Brady. 

Campbell’s 2008 performance is comparable to Brady’s first three years as New England’s starter in all passing measurables except for touchdowns and interceptions (Brady threw considerably more TDs and Campbell had half as many picks). 

Maybe Campbell can also take his game to the next level in his fourth year as an NFL starter with more experience and continuity in the same offensive system.

Let’s also remember that Campbell led Auburn to an undefeated season (13-0) and a share of the national championship in college, so he’s no stranger to winning on the biggest stage.

I’m going all-in with Campbell. Whatever the outcome, I can live with putting all my chips at this time with him. 

Hopefully we win the jackpot together. If not, then bring on the Brennan frenzy (or next disgruntled gunslinger) in 2010!