Washington Redskins: Can Jason Campbell Lead Them to the Playoffs?

The Washington Redskins in the Playoffs?

At 7-4, the Washington Redskins are stuck in the thick of the NFC's playoff race. 

First year Coach Jim Zorn is having a stellar year mentoring young Jason Campbell and leading the Redskins to a second place tie in the NFC East through 11 games. 

The question on every Redskins fan's mind is:  Can they make it to the playoffs?

The Redskins have the weapons both on offense and defense to succeed in the NFL. QB Jason Campbell had improved dramatically under Jim Zorn's west coast offense. 

Throwing 11 interceptions and fumbling 13 times through 13 starts last season, Jason Campbell has improved to just having seven turnovers thus far in the NFL season (four fumbles and three interceptions). 

Jason Campbell's three interceptions are the least in the NFL (against QB's starting all 11 games). Jason's numbers have been very good this season and can be attributed to Zorn's teachings. He ranks 13th in NFL with 2,328 yards, completing 64.1 percent of passes with a 90.2 QB rating. 

Can Jason propel the Redskins into the playoffs with these numbers?

Playoffs

Through this entire season Clinton Portis has become the most talked about Redskins.  The Redskins can’t ride on Clinton's back the rest of the season.  If they want to gain a playoff berth, their passing game must improve. 

The Redskins passing offense ranks just 21st in the league.  Through the next five games Jason must utilize his weapons.  The Redskin's rushing attack easily opens up the passing game, but the Redskins just can't seem to capitalize with the passing attack. 

Three things need to be done with the passing game to ensure a Redskins playoff berth, they are:

Utilizing the Weapons

WR's Santana Moss, and Antwaan Randle El, both just 5'10", have great hands and blazing speed. However, they lack the height advantage needed against elite corners.  Rookies Malcolm Kelly, 6'4", and Devin Thomas, 6'2" need to get more receptions. 

Zorn and Campbell need to use their size as an advantage, throwing deep over defending corner's heads. And by no means should Santana and Antwaan not be used.

They are great veterans with terrific talent and ability, but a mix of size and speed needs to be used to expose defenses and attack the end zone.

Pass Protection

The Redskins' O-Line has given up 20 sacks in the past six games, compared to just eight in the first five games of the season. The line needs to step up and protect Jason, he needs time to see his receivers and get them the ball.

Yards and TD's

Jason should become a great threat. That is, if the Redskin's start using all of their weapons, the offensive line picks up blitzes and sneaky linebackers, and Clinton Portis keeps on doing what he does best. 

Jason has a very strong and accurate arm and he should be able to threaten opposing defenses both with medium and long completions.  He needs to have five solid performances to help his team to the playoffs.  He needs to complete large gains and throw touchdowns.

The Test

Jason's first test is probably his hardest of the season.  Playing the divisional and conference leading Giants poses a huge challenge for Jason and the Redskins. 

The Giants at 10-1 have been on a role this season; they have been clicking on all eight cylinders. Jason and the Redskins need come out and click on 10 this Sunday. 

This Sunday's game marks the first game played after the anniversary of Sean Taylor's death. 

Taylor will be inducted into the Redskins' Ring of Fame and it’s no doubt that the Redskins will play their hearts out in memory of their lost teammate. 

The Redskins can win and re-establish themselves as an elite team in the NFC's playoff picture if Campbell can throw a good game, Portis can run fast and hard for his lost friend and teammate, and the defense stop the efficient Giants.