Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[URL="http://www.examiner.com/a-156993~Brunell_still_holds_the_key.html"][COLOR=#0000ff]Brunell still holds the key[/COLOR][/URL]
June 22

Washington Examiner: "And that is perhaps the biggest question surrounding the Redskins’ offense as it nears training camp: How much does the 35-year-old Brunell have left?"

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

i'm not sold on #8 making it through the whole season in one peice, and when he misses time, he will never get the job back

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

I remember seeing something earlier in the offseason about Brunell undergoing some different types of training during the offseason to help strengthen his legs. His legs are key, anytime he has a bad knee, bad hammy, it just ruins him. Hopefully the training will pay off.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

I think Brunell is tougher than you guys are giving him credit for. He knows this year is probably his best opportunity ever to get to a Super Bowl. He know Campbell is waiting in the wings, and my bet is that he plays his butt off this year.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

I hope I'm right, I went with enough to take us all the way to the promise land. As long as our o-line does it's job and he doesn't take anymore shots directly to the knee, I think we can manage our new receiving core very well. I'm crossing my fingers though.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

The wealth of weapons we have will afford Brunell more time than he had last year - no one is sending the house and leaving (Portis, Moss, Randle El, Lloyd) uncovered.

I want Campbell ready for more than just age-related issues, though. Injury strikes old and young players without mercy.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

i'm a bit iffy on it. Having him train better and practice less iss a very good idea, but he hasn't made it throught an entire season in good shape in years (and i'm not counting last year cause of how bad he got at the end).

The best thing would be to see campbell do what ben did and remove all doubt. Since that's unlikely though, there's really no choice but to grin and bear it.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

Two words: game management.

It always, ALWAYS gets overlooked. Brunell will be successful for us primarily because he can avoid turnovers. And Matty's right, the health of his legs are of paramount importance. He's AWFUL when his legs hurt (see 2004 and 2005 playoffs). He's the type of QB that needs to get his entire body involved to get enough zip on the ball, he can't rifle the ball off his back foot like Brett Favre. So he needs those legs healthy to plant, drive, and follow through with his delivery.

When the legs are healthy, there honestly aren't more than 10 QBs in the league I'd rather have than him. But when they're banged up, I hope Campbell is ready.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[quote=scowan]I think Brunell is tougher than you guys are giving him credit for. He knows this year is probably his best opportunity ever to get to a Super Bowl. He know Campbell is waiting in the wings, and my bet is that he plays his butt off this year.[/quote]

I don't think anyone really questions his toughness. Personally, I think the guy is tough as nails. He played his first year with Skins through some injuries. It's just that they make him more ineffective.

If left up to Brunell he would never sit on the bench for any reason.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[quote=12thMan]
If left up to Brunell he would never sit on the bench for any reason.[/quote]

I don't think any player would ever voluntarily bench themselves. It's in their blood to always want to play through injury or slump.

That said, I hope Saunders is more cognizant of Brunell's penchant for poor play when injured and sits him down quickly when it's obvious that he's not 100%. Gibbs is so loyal to his vet that I think he leaves his in their too long when he's hurt. Hopefully Saunders is comfortable enough in his #2 QB, whomever that ends up being, to go to him quickly when Brunell gets a hammy or knock on the knee.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[quote=Mc2guy]I don't think any player would ever voluntarily bench themselves. It's in their blood to always want to play through injury or slump.

That said, I hope Saunders is more cognizant of Brunell's penchant for poor play when injured and sits him down quickly when it's obvious that he's not 100%. Gibbs is so loyal to his vet that I think he leaves his in their too long when he's hurt. Hopefully Saunders is comfortable enough in his #2 QB, whomever that ends up being, to go to him quickly when Brunell gets a hammy or knock on the knee.[/quote]

Good assesment. I think if there is a knock on Gibbs it could be he's loyal to a fault.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

I know it's cliche, but it all starts with the O-line. If our line protects Brunell he'll be perfectly fine for a long time. Unfortunately at his age if too many defenders get through he's not going to last long.

Unless ARE, Lloyd, Thrash and Cooley all crap out on us, I really don't see the opposing D blitzing alot or putting 8 in the box. Hopefully they'll have to drop at least 4 or 5 to covers the WR threats. If that's the case, I'm confident our line can protect Brunell and he'll make it as long as anyone else will.

The really scarey situation is if the line can't protect Brunell and he gets banged up. Then we put Campbell in, with no experience, behind a line that couldn't protect the first guy. That's bad news unless Campbell is friggin' amazing.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[QUOTE=12thMan]Good assesment. I think if there is a knock on Gibbs it could be he's loyal to a fault.[/QUOTE]

Don't say that around Southpaw or other Ramsey-lovers ;)

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

I voted for none in the tank (though I actually meant to pick the middle option, but more to the pessimistic part of that, so I'll accept the he's done.

Never been a Brunell fan since he's been in Washington. That said, it is Gibbs MO to get a veteran QB to take them to the Super Bowl, I just question if Brunell still has it. I hope he does.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

I'm not too worried about the OL.

If they're all healthy we'll have a rock solid group.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

Right. If I had to pick someone NOT to get hurt though, it would be every player on the offensive line.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

If Brunell takes us all the way it will be the biggest career 180 I could have ever imagined. He was so bad two years ago I mean at least 99% of the football universe thought he was beyond washed up and then last year he was back in form and very good at times. We have such a dangerous team if he plays well. He has the chance to write a legendary ending to his career. I still have my doubts but if he plays his best he could be an MVP candidate.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[quote=12thMan]Good assesment. I think if there is a knock on Gibbs it could be he's loyal to a fault.[/quote]I don't agree with that at all. Gibbs just did not like Ramsey and did not trust him to manage the game. Look at the other thread about Ramsey and his play so far as a Jets. Maybe Gibbs knew more than most. I agree that Brunell is the key to our year and I would rather have him in the game than Campbell at this point. Someone said something like Campbell doing a Big Ben But the chances of that are about 1000 to 1. I think Campbel will be a good or maybe great QB just because of the how Gibbs persued him.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[quote=Daseal]Never been a Brunell fan since he's been in Washington. That said, it is Gibbs MO to get a veteran QB to take them to the Super Bowl, I just question if Brunell still has it. I hope he does.[/quote]

Ditto. Although if he does start the season, it'll be much better if he remains upright all year, instead of him falling apart mid season, and having Campbell try to salvage it. That could be very bad for him and the team.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

Maybe we'll get a Bledsoe situation where Brunell plays well all year, and like Brady, Campbell steps in and wins it all.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[quote=firstdown]I don't agree with that at all. Gibbs just did not like Ramsey and did not trust him to manage the game. Look at the other thread about Ramsey and his play so far as a Jets. Maybe Gibbs knew more than most. I agree that Brunell is the key to our year and I would rather have him in the game than Campbell at this point. Someone said something like Campbell doing a Big Ben But the chances of that are about 1000 to 1. I think Campbel will be a good or maybe great QB just because of the how Gibbs persued him.[/quote]

That's fine.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

Mark Brunell WILL pass for 4,000 yards this year. I guarantee it. Unless he gets injured or can't manage the offense or gets sick or loses his desire to play or his receivers decide they don't want to catch anything that he throws or......

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

i really wonder why so many people are down on brunell. towards the end of last season ( after randy thomas got hurt ) is when the offense starting heading south. that and the fact that we played 2 pretty damn good defenses in the playoffs. anyone that seriously considers the skins a threat to go deep into the playoffs better pray brunell stays healthy because it aint happening with campbell under center. and, good afternoon tmc

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[QUOTE=dmek25][B]i really wonder why so many people are down on brunell. [/B]towards the end of last season ( after randy thomas got hurt ) is when the offense starting heading south. that and the fact that we played 2 pretty damn good defenses in the playoffs. anyone that seriously considers the skins a threat to go deep into the playoffs better pray brunell stays healthy because it aint happening with campbell under center. and, good afternoon tmc[/QUOTE]

Because he replaced Ramsey, and Ramsey was the second coming of Joe Montana. Didn't you know that?

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

yeah, im sorry. and trung candiate was the next jim brown

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[QUOTE=dmek25]yeah, im sorry. and trung candiate was the next jim brown[/QUOTE]

Yep, and Taylor Jacobs was the next Jerry Rice. Just THINK what we could've been like if we kept those three around - Ramsey, Canidate and Taylor!

Silly Joe Gibbs, just silly.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

So far we have had the big Ben and the Brady senario which is about as big of a long shot as you could have. Just look at any stat of any QB in Ben's situation and they arn't good and the Brady story it comes around every so often. So Ben and Brady broke the mold and it will be a while before it happens again and I would hate to bet my season on ether of those possibilities coming true.Now if we do have to turn to Campbel for what ever reason I would love to see it happen I just would not bet on it.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

Does anyone know how many sacks KC gave up under Saunders? Because I think we're all in agreement, keeping Brunell on his feet is key.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[quote=dmek25]i really wonder why so many people are down on brunell. towards the end of last season ( after randy thomas got hurt ) is when the offense starting heading south. that and the fact that [B]we played 2 pretty damn good defenses in the playoffs[/B]. anyone that seriously considers the skins a threat to go deep into the playoffs better pray brunell stays healthy because it aint happening with campbell under center. and, good afternoon tmc[/quote]

dmek, I agree with you here, I think people forget that the Skins had ONE receiver option in Moss and Cooley coming out of the backfield against Seattle and the Bucs both on the road in loud stadiums in the playoffs. The Skins were not really out of the game against Seattle until the second half. I think the Skins blew some chances in the Seattle game, but the Skins just finially met their match with the travel and tough defenses in the postseason. Brunell may have been a little dinged up, but I would not have traded his performance for Ramsey or Campbell last year. I think Gibss got the most out of the team he had last year. A few more pieces added this year should get them over the top.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[QUOTE=ArtMonkDrillz]Does anyone know how many sacks KC gave up under Saunders? Because I think we're all in agreement, keeping Brunell on his feet is key.[/QUOTE]

[U]KC Sacks Allowed[/U]
2004: 32
2005: 32

For comparison, in 2004 the most sacks allowed by any team was 66, the least was 14 (Indianapolis). In 2005 the most allowed was 68, the least was 20 (again Indianapolis).

Also, the Skins had 31 sacks in 2005, 38 in 2004. So, really not that much different than KC.

So, KC is really the top of the "middle of the pack" as far as sacks allowed goes. Those stats also make you start to realize a huge part of why Peyton Manning is so amazing - the dude hardly ever gets hit.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

Thanks, for some reason I though they'd be a lot lower than the Skins.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[quote=mheisig][U]KC Sacks Allowed[/U]
2004: 32
2005: 32

For comparison, in 2004 the most sacks allowed by any team was 66, the least was 14 (Indianapolis). In 2005 the most allowed was 68, the least was 20 (again Indianapolis).

Also, the Skins had 31 sacks in 2005, 38 in 2005. So, really not that much different than KC.

So, KC is really the top of the "middle of the pack" as far as sacks allowed goes. Those stats also make you start to realize a huge part of why Peyton Manning is so amazing - the dude hardly ever gets hit.[/quote]Did you mean the skins gave up 31 in 2004 and 38 in 2005. If that is correct I wish we where going the other way.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

In 2005 the Skins gave up 31 sacks

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

Ha, my bad. That was confusing. Edited for accuracy.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

I don't have much faith in Mark Brunell. I don't think not losing games is enough to win a Super Bowl. And yes, I am aware that Dilfer won a Super Bowl once, but this ain't a 7 point a game defense. I don't know how all of these egos will gel on the offensive side of the ball, but I don't think Mark Brunell is gonna keep everybody happy when he starts throwing the ball away on 3rd downs. But I'm sure no one will be open on any of those plays...

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[quote=scowan]I think Brunell is tougher than you guys are giving him credit for. He knows this year is probably his best opportunity ever to get to a Super Bowl. He know Campbell is waiting in the wings, and my bet is that he plays his butt off this year.[/quote]

Show some respect for BRunell people, I agree Mark doesnt get his props, he wants a ring badly, last year he was phenomenal , every pass was amazing. On 3rd down, he got it done. I would like this to be his last season however, he is soaking up much cap and give him a ring so he can walk away with his head high. I just want to unveil Campbell in due time. Let him marinate in the saunders offense ... it ll be delicious.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[QUOTE=MightyJoeGibbs]Show some respect for BRunell people, I agree Mark doesnt get his props, he wants a ring badly, last year he was phenomenal , every pass was amazing. On 3rd down, he got it done. I would like this to be his last season however, he is soaking up much cap and give him a ring so he can walk away with his head high. [B]I just want to unveil Campbell in due time. Let him marinate in the saunders offense ... it ll be delicious.[/B][/QUOTE]

I think you may be looking for the [URL="http://www.thewarpath.net/showthread.php?p=190418#post190418"]"Strahan 'alternative lifestlye'?"[/URL] thread.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[quote=MightyJoeGibbs][B]last year he was phenomenal , every pass was amazing. On 3rd down, he got it done.[/B] [/quote]



This has got to be a joke...

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[quote=MightyJoeGibbs]Show some respect for BRunell people, I agree Mark doesnt get his props, he wants a ring badly, last year he was phenomenal , every pass was amazing. On 3rd down, he got it done. I would like this to be his last season however, he is soaking up much cap and give him a ring so he can walk away with his head high. I just want to unveil Campbell in due time. Let him marinate in the saunders offense ... it ll be delicious.[/quote]

know what east up more cap then keeping him? letting him go.

Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)
 

[QUOTE=Southpaw]This has got to be a joke...[/QUOTE]


Not really no. For at least most of the season, Mark Brunell had played quite well. He was clutch in 3rd down situations. Maybe if you have access to every game of this past season, you'll find that Brunell played pretty well up until the point where he had gotten injured.