n Mike Wise's Washington Post column from this morning, you'll find a story about Jim Zorn and Joe Gibbs hanging out and shooting the proverbial, uh, well, you know. In it, you'll find discussions ranging from charity work to Zorn's admiration about the legacy Gibbs left as a great coach for the Washington Redskins.
Invariably, the subject of the Redskins' polarizing quarterback came up. Gibbs was specifically asked about how Jason Campbell handled the situation this offseason where the Redskins tried to replace him, not once, but twice. Alas, Jay Cutler is in Chicago and Mark Sanchez is in New York. The Redskins are "stuck" with Campbell and his big arm.
The following excerpt, including Gibbs' quote after he was asked if Campbell was mistreated, grabbed my eye.
"I have a different outlook on that," Gibbs said of shopping the quarterback he had plucked from Auburn. "At some point you're going to have to take the team down the field in a driving hailstorm to win the game. If you get all uptight about stuff as the quarterback -- if [trade rumors] is something that bothers you -- you're in the wrong position."
Translation: Buck up, Jason.
"You gotta realize an NFL quarterback is going to go through a lot -- all the ones I coached did," Gibbs added through that shrill laugh of his. "If it wasn't [Mark] Rypien getting benched in the middle of a season, it was Joe Theismann technically going to get benched. Or it was Doug Williams going through two teams and coming here when everybody thought his career was over."
I'm left scratching my head over the entire block. Did Gibbs really indirectly say Campbell needed to "buck up" as Wise states with the middle paragraph?
First of all, Campbell didn't pull a Cutler. He took his medicine and moved on as the leader of the team. He said he wanted to leave the past behind him when someone asked him if he was upset the team tried to replace him. Secondly, he did said he would demand a trade if they acquired another starter, but that's because he wants to be a starting quarterback, not because he's a baby. That actually shows some fire, in a "if you don't want me, I'll kick your ass" kind of way.
Gibbs simply said if trade rumors bother you, you're in the wrong position. Campbell took them in stride and said he's ready to concentrate on 2009. Is this simply a case of fanning the flames by a columnist?
Not completely.
In the second paragraph of quotes from Gibbs, it does seem like he's at least somewhat jabbing at Campbell. So what to make of all this?
Really, it's all part of being a quarterback. You're in the spotlight. When the team wins, you get the credit, even if it's undue (hello Eli Manning). When the team loses, you catch the blame, even if it's undue (hi, Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler).
It's a big year for Campbell. He's under a bigger microscope than ever, because most of the rest of the team seems to be a playoff caliber roster. Should they fail to make it, he and Zorn will be the most likely scapegoats.
And it looks like a line is already forming to at least kind of question Campbell's toughness -- starting with the great Joe Gibbs. In June.
Good luck, Jason.
I read the article yesterday. I liked it. I love that Zorn and Gibbs spent some time together. They should. They share a lot. I like how Zorn had handled this. As for Gibbs comments on Jason Campbell... well, I think he is on the mark. Its time to put up or shut up. I think this will be his breakout season. If not he has to go. Ive defended him for a long time and I believe it hasnt been his fault. But at some point as Gibbs said, you have to win. Somehow, someway you have to get it done. Excuses dont fly anymore. I applaud GIbbs for not touching the Sanchez and Cutler junk. i wouldnt touch that crap on a stick either. Im sure Jason know all of this anyways, and will be stellar. ...View More...View Less
Thanks for sharing--it's an interesting read. I applaud the fact that this writer identified the real problem in this whole mess:"Is this simply a case of fanning the flames by a columnist?" There are 2 things that really bug me about the JC/JC/MS issue.
#1. Any interest in Cutler or Sanchez DOES NOT necessarily translate into replacing Jason. It was more likely to add younger and more talented depth. Collins is aging and and an offensive 'one trick pony'.
#2: I can't find a direct quote from Jason that states he would seek a trade. Every time it's mentioned it is either prefaced or followed by "according to league sources" or "a source familiar with the situation". What we have heard directly from Jason is that he is focused on his job and doing his best to help the team succeed in 2009. He has taken the high road time and again and admitted that rumors will swirl and he needs to ignore them and stay focused. Too many times people take a reporter's interpretation of a situation as fact and that's when the chaos ensues. ...View More...View Less
