Washington Redskins' Offseason Considerations

Here’s the deal, if the Washington Redskins can make it into the playoffs, that’s great. But, given that to be true, it still doesn’t erase, or even mitigate the need to consider an overhaul to the team. This is the first of many looks as to what considerations will and/or should take place after the season is over.

Jason Campbell

He is the starter. I am on record, more than once, as being a supporter of Campbell. That said, I’ve also stated that he still has more to learn. I believe he will continue his learning. And, I fully expect him to be even better next year.

Todd Collins

There are many in and around the league, not to mention the legions within Redskins Nation that believe Todd Collins is the best backup QB in the game. But, is he really? Last year, Collins did something that was in a word, incredible.

He took the team to the playoffs. He provided the stability and leadership the team needed at the QB position that allowed the team to rally around him and make the push.

Still, one must consider, Collins was playing in an offense that he had mastered. After spending multiple years learning the offense taught by Al Saunders, Collins was indeed the best backup QB in the game. Was.

This year, Collins had to learn a new offense, just like Campbell. If something happened to Campbell and Collins had to come into the game, it would be unreasonable to expect him to have the same kind of success he enjoyed last season.

And for that reason, I don’t believe it was the best decision to pay him as much as Redskins management did to keep him here. Moreover, I don’t believe he should have been kept as the backup QB at all.

Rather, I think the Redskins would have been much better off trading for, or picking up someone that…wait for it…already knew the Jim Zorn (or some version thereof) West Coast offense.

The inability to recognize this key competitive differentiating force of nature to have a QB that actually knows the offense as a backup was, and continues to be, the single, most disappointing decision made by Redskins management this past off-season.

Collins is under contract. But, he should be asked to compete for the No. 2 position.

Colt Brennan

See Colt throw. See Colt run. See Colt struggle to recognize the "exotic" defensive schemes that are employed today that camouflage the pressure points along the line. See Colt throw into double and triple covered receivers because he didn’t recognize the aforementioned "exotic" defensive schemes which are designed to confuse QB’s, both young and old.

I have nothing against Colt Brennan. I have never seen him play in college. And, I’ve only seen him play once during this past preseason. He had a whale of a game. But, what is one game? Nothin’.

Still, if he’s smart, he would have continued to study and prepare as if he was going to be the starting QB of this team. Thus, he would be working side-by-side Jason Campbell and Coach Zorn to see what Campbell sees on the field. Does he do this? That’s anybody’s guess.

One thing I did notice during the game against the Baltimore Ravens is that he was on the sidelines, yawning. Yawning!! The Redskins were getting the snot kicked out of them and the kid was on the sidelines acting as if the game was keeping him from getting his sleep.

Okay. So, maybe it’s really, really hard to be fully engaged as the third string, emergency QB.

NOT!

If Brennan really wanted to be taken seriously as a QB in this league, he would be up on his feet, fully engaged in the game. When Campbell takes a snap, Brennan should be going through his progressions just like Campbell.

When Campbell comes off the field, Brennan should try to capture and understand the dialog that takes place between him and Zorn after every series.

Colt Brennan may very well have a wealth of natural talents and abilities. But, until he is willing to put in the work, he’s just another body that can throw a football. My eight year-old son can throw a football.

Until Brennan can act and demonstrate that he is prepared to study the game and be a professional, well the choice of playing him in a game, or allowing my son to play, is almost the same!

Okay, so I exaggerate a little bit. But, my point is evident.

Right now, Brennan is a project. During the offseason, Brennan should compete for his job just like Todd Collins.

RECOMMENDATION

1. Jason Campbell is the starter with much more to learn
2. Acquire, either by free-agency or trade, a new back up QB that knows the offense
3. Allow Todd Collins to compete with the new, aforementioned QB, or give him his early release with many, many thanks and gratitude for what he did for this franchise last year
4. Draft and/or acquire other QBs that will be asked to compete for the third and final roster spot
5. Require that Colt Brennan earn a roster spot amongst all of the competition above