Oakland Raiders: Discussing Jason Campbell and The Definition Of Elite

Before I get into the body of this article I want to mention its purpose, which is to spark a discussion.  To some that may be a cheap way to rack up comments. but at least I am being honest about it.

Almost immediately after the 2010 season, I wrote an article entitled, "Is It Really A Stretch To Say Jason Campbell Can Be Elite?"  In that article I stated why, in my opinion, Jason Campbell could in fact be an elite quarterback.  I received some quality comments in agreement and disagreement.  What I didn't expect was the amount of negative comments.

Never in that article did I say Jason Campbell was an elite quarterback.  Never in that article did I say that he would become an elite quarterback.  I only stated my opinion, and some brief evidence as to why it was possible for Campbell to be elite.

Not only do I stand by my opinion, but I stand by that article.

Recently, featured columnist Elias Trejo created a well-executed slideshow stating his opinion as to why he felt Jason Campbell could in fact be elite.

The comments in both articles shared one common thought—Jason Campbell won't ever be elite, but could become a great game manager.

That raised the question in my mind—what is the definition of elite?

Let me admit, I hate the term "game manager".  I think every quarterback in the National Football League manages the game.  I think an elite quarterback executes his offense at a high level on a consistent basis.

When we mention the elite quarterbacks now, we are talking about quarterbacks on teams with very high pass attempts.  The Raiders will never be an offense like that.

So what of Jason Campbell? 

Let's first talk about the Oakland Raiders' style of offense.

The Raiders will always and forever have a strong running game.  Whether we have Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, or some geek off the street, the running game will always be the focus of our offense.  But when the Raiders do pass the football, they are looking to make fifteen-plus yards per attempt.  With a philosophy like that, Campbell will never put up giant numbers.

In 2010, this did not happen.  But let's say in 2011, everything goes the way we want it to.  Chaz Schillens stays healthy and becomes the number-one receiver we need him to be. Darius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy continue to grow and become more consistent targets and Jacoby Ford continues to be the play-maker he was as a rookie.

Now let's give Campbell some protection.  Jared Veldheer improves and becomes a quality LT.  Bruce Campbell beats out his competition and becomes the starting RT.  The Raiders pick up a right guard in free agency.  Robert Gallery re-signs and Stefan Wisniewski falls to us in the draft.

None of that is a stretch. All of that is more than possible.

Let's put this new and improved team in a game situation.  The 9-6 Raiders are playing the 10-5 San Diego Chargers.  The Raiders beat the Chargers earlier in the season, so this is for first place and the playoffs.  The Raiders win the game as McFadden runs for 125 yards with two touchdowns and Bush adds 75 yards.  Jason Campbell goes 20 for 27 with 255 yards and two touchdowns.  A quality day for our starting QB, right?  An elite performance in a game of importance or did Campbell ride the back of his RBs?

So now let's say next year Campbell throws for 3,200 yards, 27 TDs and 9 INTs.  Is that an elite performance?  With stats like that, that's performing our offense to the letter.  I believe Matt Cassell went to the Pro Bowl with similar stats.

When considering Campbell's performances in 2010, I look at two games many people do not mention.

The first is the home game against San Diego.  To be a backup and make clutch throws the way he did was very impressive.  It wasn't McFadden and Bush running all over the place. 

The second game was against Jacksonville.

Many focus on McFadden running like crazy.  But one of McFadden's long runs was on a Campbell check-down when he couldn't go deep.  Another was on an audible that Campbell executed himself.  If the defense didn't let us down, that game would have been Campbell's greatest moment of the season.  Isn't that what an elite quarterback is supposed to do—find a way to make a play?  Now—can Jason Campbell do that on a consistent basis?

Some believe that because Campbell didn't show signs of an elite quarterback earlier in his career, he may never show it this late in his career.  Some like myself, believe Campbell can still be elite and needs some level of consistency.  Others may judge him solely on his performance in 2010.  All of which is your opinion, and an okay way to judge what you think Campbell will become.

I think the bigger question is—what is your definition of an elite quarterback and what would you like the Raiders offense to become?