Campbell Earns Respect, But What Does It Mean?!!

Sunday’s game was nothing in the way of a surprise. Honestly, the Raiders could have easily won that game by the exact same score. It was nice to see the Redskins dominate a game the way that they did. Everyone has an opinion about what the Redskins should do in the offseason. But one move that they definitely should not make is letting Jason Campbell leave. It is apparent that the playcalling along with the multitude of injuries, especially along the Offensive Line, was the reason why Campbell underperformed. The only way someone could justify letting Campbell go is if they have a personal vendetta against him. And even in that case, you wouldn’t have a leg to stand on. Go look at the film for the past 5 games.

Jason Campbell just needs the backing of an organization. I think the dumbest thing that the Redskins organization has ever done was shopping him this past offseason. We already made a major mistake letting Champ Bailey go, and then followed that one up with letting go Stephen Davis and then Antonio Pierce. But letting Jason Campbell get away would sting more than any of the other guys. Campbell embodies what every organization looks for in a Quarterback. The basic characteristics are standing tall in the pocket, the ability to make all of the throws, the ability to make quick decisions, mental and physical toughness, and the ability to move the team down the field when they need it. That cop out about the “it” factor is stuff that commentators make up when they are in love with a player and can’t justify why they are in love with that player. If you’ve read any of my previous posts, you would know that I think the “it” factor is the backing of your organization. I can’t understand why Jason Campbell doesn’t have it. Campbell is intelligent beyond belief and one cool customer. It has showed over the past few weeks.

Sunday was just what Jason Campbell needed. A game where he got protection, had an opportunity to look comfortable in the pocket, and make up his mind about what he wanted to do with the football. This is something Phillip Rivers, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer, and even Donovan McNabb all have the luxury of enjoying. Most people would make the comment about how bad the Raiders are. I disagree. The Raiders are loaded with talent, but when you have a people running an organization who don’t know what the hell they are doing, you will have seasons such as this one. Does this sound familiar Redskins fans? And guess which position usually gets the brunt of the blame, even when the problem is in the front office. It isn’t fair for any Quarterback to be blamed for management’s shortcomings. But Campbell isn’t the first, and he won’t be the last.

With all of that said, the Redskins’ next game is against the New York Giants. This is definitely a winnable game, but our Defense has to show up this time. It was bad enough that our Offense, mostly due to the playcalling, couldn’t get out of neutral, but then our Defense decided that they didn’t want to tackle or cover anyone. But I think with the game being at FedEx Field, our fans and players are hungry for another win. If the Redskins’ Defense can put pressure on Eli Manning, the Giants don’t have a chance. Eli has to have time in the pocket. He’s not as athletic as Jason Campbell where he can run for a first down. Eli would get crushed trying to scramble. I think he’s smart enough to sit in the pocket. On the other side of the ball, the Giants’ front four is ridiculous. I haven’t seen a front four this good since the 2003 Carolina Panthers. Oh wait, we might have one just as good here in Washington this year. The Giants have a depleted Secondary, but they are solid at the Linebacker position starting with Mike Boley. With all of that said, I still think that the Redskins are going to find a way to win this game.

Jason Campbell has not beaten the Giants yet. We all remember the debacle in 2007 where the Redskins were up 17-0, and the Giants came from behind to win that game, 24-17. The second game in 2007 the Redskins won, but Todd Collins was under Center and performed well, I might add. Last year, both games were won by the Giants, with the second game coming on the one year anniversary of the death of Sean Taylor. And earlier this year the Giants won in the Meadowlands. I see the outcome of this game being different. I have the Redskins winning this game. It’s going to be ugly because it an NFC East game. We never have pretty games. But who cares about how it looks, just as long as you win.

My prediction, Washington 17, N.Y. Giants 13.

Don’t let me down fellas!!!!