Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

I've been reading that Leftwich would like to play for Washington. Seeing how he's got more gas in the tank and is just as good if not better than Collins why not pick him up?

Collins only has so much time left. Leftwich is younger and can start right away. With Zorn training him in our system he shouldn't take too long to adjust.

Collins is on his way out. Even if Colt gets the number two spot, they'd still need a number three. I personally like Leftwich. He'd be better than Colt. I say this because I've watched him over the years and I've only seen Colt during preseason.

What sayeth the Mob?

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

One of the adjustment problems that Jason Campbell faced in adapting to Zorn's West Coast Offense is that Campbell is not lightening fast with his delivery of the ball. Many - - not all but many - - of the passes that are basic to the WCO require immediate release by the QB.

If Campbell's delivery is "slow", then Leftwich's delivery is "glacial".

This is not to say that Leftwich cannot adjust, but it will not be a trivial matter for him.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

Leftwich wants to be a starter, not a backup. He has made no secret of that, By bringing him to Washington, does that mean JC gets demoted?

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=sportscurmudgeon;525139]One of the adjustment problems that Jason Campbell faced in adapting to Zorn's West Coast Offense is that Campbell is not lightening fast with his delivery of the ball. Many - - not all but many - - of the passes that are basic to the WCO require immediate release by the QB.

If Campbell's delivery is "slow", then Leftwich's delivery is "glacial".

This is not to say that Leftwich cannot adjust, but it will not be a trivial matter for him.[/quote]

Agreed. Leftwich is the poster boy for the slow release.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

sandtrapjack:

And IF Campbell is demoted to 2nd string, what are the implications there?

Might Collins be #3 on the depth chart meaning that Colt the Jolt might have to find other employment? That is too horrific even to contemplate...:silly:

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

And people think JC has a slow release??!! :doh:

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

I read on PFT that approximately 1/3rd of the league would be interested in Leftwich as a starter... but i havent heard anything about him wanting to play here. I think some people assume that because he grew up in DC, but i havent seen it anywhere.

I dont think Campbell is the answer at QB here if we keep Zorns West Coast Offense, but Leftwich would not really be that much of an upgrade. One of the reasons the Jags got rid of him was that he wasnt doing well in Musgraves WCO... what makes you think he would do well in our offense here?

The only way id bring in Leftwich is if we, realizing Campbell is an ill-fit for the WCO, had already traded Campbell to someone for draft picks and we needed a stop-gap starter for 1-2 years while Zorn grooms Brennan. In that scenario, Leftwich would come cheaper than any of the other QBs with WCO experience on the market. I certainly wouldnt hand the job over to him though. Id make him compete with Collins for the job and it wouldnt surprise me one bit if Collins won. And thats not because i beleive in Collins - it shows my complete lack of confidence in Leftwich. That said, i'm 100% behind any plan where our FO trades Campbell for a 2nd round pick.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;525148]I read on PFT that approximately 1/3rd of the league would be interested in Leftwich as a starter... but i havent heard anything about him wanting to play here. I think some people assume that because he grew up in DC, but i havent seen it anywhere.

I dont think Campbell is the answer at QB here if we keep Zorns West Coast Offense, but Leftwich would not really be that much of an upgrade. One of the reasons the Jags got rid of him was that he wasnt doing well in Musgraves WCO... what makes you think he would do well in our offense here?

The only way id bring in Leftwich is if we, realizing Campbell is an ill-fit for the WCO, had already traded Campbell to someone for draft picks and we needed a stop-gap starter for 1-2 years while Zorn grooms Brennan. In that scenario, Leftwich would come cheaper than any of the other QBs with WCO experience on the market. I certainly wouldnt hand the job over to him though. Id make him compete with Collins for the job and it wouldnt surprise me one bit if Collins won. And thats not because i beleive in Collins - it shows my complete lack of confidence in Leftwich. That said, i'm 100% behind any plan where our FO trades Campbell for a 2nd round pick.[/quote]

I read it in the Washington Times the other day. Leftwich was quick enough to beat us this year. I'm waiting until next season to have my final say on Campbell. The FO is too.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=sportscurmudgeon;525146]sandtrapjack:

And IF Campbell is demoted to 2nd string, what are the implications there?

Might Collins be #3 on the depth chart meaning that Colt the Jolt might have to find other employment? That is too horrific even to contemplate...:silly:[/quote]
Implications are simple....you don't pay a second string QB (who was drafted to your franchise QB) the type of money you have invested in a starter.

If someone else comes in to play as the starter, he will expect a starters salary. And the team is still under financial obligation to JC.

Now if the numbers I read are correct, Campbell will be a free agent in 2010 anyway.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=Trample the Elderly;525157]I read it in the Washington Times the other day. Leftwich was quick enough to beat us this year. I'm waiting until next season to have my final say on Campbell. The FO is too.[/quote]

The Steelers dont run the WCO. their offense doesnt require quick releases. Their offense is the kind of offense we should have stuck with if we wanted Campbell to succeed here.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

Why in the world would the Skins want BL? He's too old. The Skins have a huge hole at QB but BL just isnt the answer.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=sandtrapjack;525161]Implications are simple....you don't pay a second string QB (who was drafted to your franchise QB) the type of money you have invested in a starter.

If someone else comes in to play as the starter, he will expect a starters salary. And the team is still under financial obligation to JC.

Now if the numbers I read are correct, Campbell will be a free agent in 2010 anyway.[/quote]

Normally, Campbell would be a free agent in 2010, but if theres no salary cap, he doesnt have enough "tenure" in the NFL to become one. he would only have 5 years of experience instead of the required 6. Campell is still on his rookie contract and because of that, hes one of the lowest-paid starting QBs in the league. we'll have no financial obligation to move him next season (assuming my understanding of the rules surrounding an uncapped year are correct). My biggest fear is that when Campbell fails this year, he'll hurt his image so much that his trade value plummets.

Campbell did a decent job this year, considering hes a horrible fit for our offense. his trade value will likely never be higher. He would be an excellent and cheap alternative for the Titans, Bears, and Vikings. Unless coaches see something in him that makes them SURE he will adjust to the WCO and be our undisputed Franchise QB, the smart thing to do would be to trade him now.

Otherwise, we'll be kicking ourselves in the butt for not moving him like we were with Patrick Ramsey. Miami was offering us a 1st rounder for him and we werent sold on him in our offense. By holding on to him, we confirmed our fears about him and received next to no compensation from Denver when he left. If someone offers us a 2nd rounder (or more) for Campbell, we would be fools not to take it and acquire Leftwhich. If the OP is correct and he wants to play here, he would be a decent stop-gap while we groom Brennan.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

It's been said a couple of times in past years that Leftwich would love to come home to the Redskins (I saw a link the other day somewhere as well)

But...I think the Lions or Vikings are his most likely destinations

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;525169]Normally, Campbell would be a free agent in 2010, but if theres no salary cap, he doesnt have enough "tenure" in the NFL to become one. he would only have 5 years of experience instead of the required 6. Campell is still on his rookie contract and because of that, hes one of the lowest-paid starting QBs in the league. we'll have no financial obligation to move him next season (assuming my understanding of the rules surrounding an uncapped year are correct). My biggest fear is that when Campbell fails this year, he'll hurt his image so much that his trade value plummets.

Campbell did a decent job this year, considering hes a horrible fit for our offense. his trade value will likely never be higher. He would be an excellent and cheap alternative for the Titans, Bears, and Vikings. Unless coaches see something in him that makes them SURE he will adjust to the WCO and be our undisputed Franchise QB, the smart thing to do would be to trade him now.

Otherwise, we'll be kicking ourselves in the butt for not moving him like we were with Patrick Ramsey. Miami was offering us a 1st rounder for him and we werent sold on him in our offense. By holding on to him, we confirmed our fears about him and received next to no compensation from Denver when he left. If someone offers us a 2nd rounder (or more) for Campbell, we would be fools not to take it and acquire Leftwhich. If the OP is correct and he wants to play here, he would be a decent stop-gap while we groom Brennan.[/quote]

So you're willing to build up the team from scratch and go into full-on rebuilding mode next season? I don't think that's going to happen.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=Ruhskins;525177]So you're willing to build up the team from scratch and go into full-on rebuilding mode next season? I don't think that's going to happen.[/quote]

Trading Campbell now isnt indicative of full-blown rebuilding in my opinion (even though rebuilding is what we need to do). I dont think Campbell will ever succeed in the WCO (see my sig). Keeping Campbell does nothing more than nullify our ability to receive compensation when he leaves. The Redskins wont be successful in 2009. Its just not going to happen. I would rather get draft picks and have something to help us in 2010 and beyond than hold on to campbell another year.

That said, youre right - its not going to happen. As long as Danny and Vinny are making the decisions, this team will never achieve any real success, as they are both unwilling to look beyond "next season."

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;525148][B]I read on PFT that approximately 1/3rd of the league would be interested in Leftwich as a starter[/B]... but i havent heard anything about him wanting to play here. I think some people assume that because he grew up in DC, but i havent seen it anywhere.

I dont think Campbell is the answer at QB here if we keep Zorns West Coast Offense, but Leftwich would not really be that much of an upgrade. One of the reasons the Jags got rid of him was that he wasnt doing well in Musgraves WCO... what makes you think he would do well in our offense here?

The only way id bring in Leftwich is if we, realizing Campbell is an ill-fit for the WCO, had already traded Campbell to someone for draft picks and we needed a stop-gap starter for 1-2 years while Zorn grooms Brennan. In that scenario, Leftwich would come cheaper than any of the other QBs with WCO experience on the market. I certainly wouldnt hand the job over to him though. Id make him compete with Collins for the job and it wouldnt surprise me one bit if Collins won. And thats not because i beleive in Collins - it shows my complete lack of confidence in Leftwich. That said, i'm 100% behind any plan where our FO trades Campbell for a 2nd round pick.[/quote]

Are you sure that wasn't 1/33rd?

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;525182]Trading Campbell now isnt indicative of full-blown rebuilding in my opinion (even though rebuilding is what we need to do). I dont think Campbell will ever succeed in the WCO (see my sig). Keeping Campbell does nothing more than nullify our ability to receive compensation when he leaves. The Redskins wont be successful in 2009. Its just not going to happen. I would rather get draft picks and have something to help us in 2010 and beyond than hold on to campbell another year.

That said, youre right - its not going to happen. As long as Danny and Vinny are making the decisions, this team will never achieve any real success, as they are both unwilling to look beyond "next season."[/quote]

So who would we get at QB if we were to trade Campbell? Do we throw Brennan into the fire? If so then we better make sure our offensive line is better this upcoming season. I do agree that we need to go into full blown rebuilding mode. The problem is that the team won't take chances in playing rookie players. I think if our defense was an elite defense, we could afford going with a new QB (also a better offensive line). I think the mistakes done by Vinny, Snyder, and Gibbs are keeping this team from looking beyond next season. Also, I think our fan base (and ownership) lacks patience to go through a year or two of flat out losing seasons as we rebuild.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=SC Skins Fan;525183]Are you sure that wasn't 1/33rd?[/quote]

:lol:

[url=http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/02/04/leftwich-in-demand/]ProFootballTalk.com - LEFTWICH IN DEMAND?[/url]

[quote]Per Chris Mortensen, Leftwich’s spot duty with the Steelers might have resurrected his career.

Mort speculates that [B][I]up to a third of the league [/I][/B]will be interested in talking to Leftwich about becoming or competing for the starting job...

That said, the one-time first-rounder of the Jaguars still has a catapult-slow delivery, and he has compensated for it of late by making lightning-fast decisions regarding where the ball will go.

That said, there are plenty of bad quarterbacks in the league. So there should be plenty of teams interested in bringing Leftwich aboard.

[/quote]

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

I'm fine with rebuilding. If we lose all but two games (Dallas) next year and get a high draft pick then I could stomach the pain.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=Trample the Elderly;525190]I'm fine with rebuilding. If we lose all but two games (Dallas) next year and get a high draft pick then I could stomach the pain.[/quote]

Unfortunately, life in the Warpath would be miserable with the pissed off threads and the VC/Snyder hate posts would quadruple.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;525182]Trading Campbell now isnt indicative of full-blown rebuilding in my opinion (even though rebuilding is what we need to do). I dont think Campbell will ever succeed in the WCO (see my sig). Keeping Campbell does nothing more than nullify our ability to receive compensation when he leaves. The Redskins wont be successful in 2009. Its just not going to happen. I would rather get draft picks and have something to help us in 2010 and beyond than hold on to campbell another year.
[/quote]
Trading Campbell without a better solution at QB in-house would set the franchise back 3-4 years. Not only would it hurt us at QB it would hurt the development of Thomas and Kelly. Not so sure why some folks are so down on Campbell. He increased his QB rating by over 7 points from last year with a far inferior OL, he only threw 6 picks and saved many plays from being disasters.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=Ruhskins;525186]So who would we get at QB if we were to trade Campbell? Do we throw Brennan into the fire? If so then we better make sure our offensive line is better this upcoming season. I do agree that we need to go into full blown rebuilding mode. The problem is that the team won't take chances in playing rookie players. I think if our defense was an elite defense, we could afford going with a new QB (also a better offensive line). I think the mistakes done by Vinny, Snyder, and Gibbs are keeping this team from looking beyond next season. Also, I think our fan base (and ownership) lacks patience to go through a year or two of flat out losing seasons as we rebuild.[/quote]

[quote=Slingin Sammy 33;525200]Trading Campbell without a better solution at QB in-house would set the franchise back 3-4 years.[/quote]
Youre assuming that Campbells replacement is not already in-house... Brennan is going to be a baller someday.

However, under no circumstances would I want to throw Brennan in the fire (unless he just lit it up in training camp/pre-season). Brennan is a project-QB, but a good one. I think he could be ready to start in 2010 or 2011, assuming we address the offensive line.

In the context of this post, Leftwich is a viable option to replace Campbell for a year or two. he will be one of the cheapest free agents on the market (which is important, not only because of our cap situation, but also because rumor has it snyder is going to be stingy this off-season), he has some familiarity to the WCO (even though he wasnt that great in it), and he wants to be here. If he really has this lightning fast decision making that Florio speaks of, he's an upgrade over Campbell by default. One of the many reasons Campbell is a horrible fit here is he can't make decisions quickly enough. He also lconsistently locks on to his receivers and is cripplingly (is that a word?) to take a chance - Leftwich would be an upgrade in those areas as well.

leftwich wouldnt be my first choice to replace Campbell (that would be Jeff Garcia), but if we really think Brennan can be a baller down the road, theres no reason to invest big dollars in Garcia. I'd also look at Chris Simms, but i think he might only be an RFA.

Please understand, I don't hate Campbell, but hes a horrible fit for the WCO. I think Campbell is hard-working enough to try his best to adapt to the offense, and he may do an "ok" job, but he'll never reach his potential here and our offense will never reach its potential with him calling the shots. Its just a bad match. Campbell would [I]thrive[/I] anywhere that relies on a power running game and Coryell-esque passing game. I mentioned the Bears, Titans, and Vikings becuase they all run that type of system and they all need a long-term answer at quarterback. If the CBA expires as expected, Campbells new team would have him under contract for 2 years at a reasonable price, and another year or two where they could tag him (assuming a new CBA is signed with similar rules) - plenty of time to know for sure if they wanted to sign him to a long term deal or not. IMO, this is the ideal time to trade Campbell.

I know almost no one will agree with me, so i'll get off my :soapbox: now. :)

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=Trample the Elderly;525190]I'm fine with rebuilding. If we lose all but two games (Dallas) next year and get a high draft pick then I could stomach the pain.[/quote]
:lol:

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=sandtrapjack;525202]:lol:[/quote]

You're right. We know how to beat Dallass at least half of the time and Filth-a-delphia most of the time. I'd like to beat the NJ Giants.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=Trample the Elderly;525190]I'm fine with rebuilding. If we lose all but two games (Dallas) next year and get a high draft pick then I could stomach the pain.[/quote]

Actually, if there were ever a year to be bad, its 2009. Since 2010 will be the last year of the CBA, certain rules go into effect. One of them is that the best 8 teams in the NFL (teams that dont make the playoffs or who are eliminated from the playoffs wild-card weekend) are forbidden from signing free agents until the lose an equal number of their own. For example, if we wanted to sign in 2 free agents, we would have to release two of our own first... and its not like we could just sign them back later on... other than the draft, we'd be extremely limited in what we were able to do to upgrade our team.

Also, Ive also read conflicting reports about whether there will be a draft in 2011... if theres not, i can see an increased number of juniors entering the draft in 2010 to avoid the uncertainty in whatever would happen in 2011. So by playing poorly in 2009, we would be in a much better position to acquire talent in 2010 - the last year with a draft. It would put us in a much better position long-term.

Just to clarify, i'm in no way advocating that we deliberatly tank the 2009 season. I just think the dynamics of the expiring CBA may make this the best time to focus on the future, instead of constantly trying to patch this team together with aging vets, like we've done for the past decade.

On a side note, If theres not a draft in 2011, perhaps we can trade some of our 2011 picks to a team that hasnt done their research ;)

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=SC Skins Fan;525183]Are you sure that wasn't 1/33rd?[/quote]

lets count the teams whos starting qbs aren't as good as byron leftwich:
chicago
minnesota
detroit
kansas city
tampa bay
the jets(if favre isn't coming back)
carolina(maybe)
buffalo(maybe)

ok so that makes only 1/4 of teams but that is still a good amount!

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=Ruhskins;525196]Unfortunately, life in the Warpath would be miserable with the pissed off threads and the VC/Snyder hate posts would quadruple.[/quote]

The worse part is Snyder would claim that Vinny is still "learning" even after a 2-14 season and he see's nothing but UPSIDE in his defacto GM. :D

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;525214]The worse part is Snyder would claim that Vinny is still "learning" even after a 2-14 season and he see's nothing but UPSIDE in his defacto GM. :D[/quote]

vinny sucks!!! what ever happened to the bruce allen rumor???

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=mvb2328;525218]vinny sucks!!! what ever happened to the bruce allen rumor???[/quote]

I was wondering the same thing... there must not have been anything to it.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;525201]Youre assuming that Campbells replacement is not already in-house... Brennan is going to be a baller someday. [/quote]
Colt Brennan = Timmy Chang, what have you seen to make you believe CB will be successful as an NFL starter?

[quote]If he really has this lightning fast decision making that Florio speaks of, he's an upgrade over Campbell by default. One of the many reasons Campbell is a horrible fit here is he can't make decisions quickly enough. He also lconsistently locks on to his receivers and is cripplingly (is that a word?) to take a chance - Leftwich would be an upgrade in those areas as well.
[/quote]Leftwich is not an upgrade over Campbell. I don't accept the premise that Campbell "can't make decisions quickly" or "locks on" moreso than any other QB in his situation. These are very general statements that aren't quantified or backed up by any evidence.

[quote]Campbell would [I]thrive[/I] anywhere that relies on a power running game and Coryell-esque passing game.[/quote]Gibbs ran that system and JC's QB rating was much less. He's not particularly accurate downfield.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

Trade Campbell?! Who in the world would want him? I dont have a problem with the idea but I just dont see him being worth very much more than a later round pick.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=irish;525230]Trade Campbell?! Who in the world would want him? I dont have a problem with the idea but I just dont see him being worth very much more than a later round pick.[/quote]

Millen is gone from Detroit so I gotta think your right

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

I like Byron Leftwich a lot, but the time to jump on him would have been last year when his value as at it's lowest. Thanks to some good performances as backup QB of the Super Bowl Champs, Leftwich's value is back in line with his talent level, and we would be competing with teams that want him as a starter.

Bottom line: Leftwich would have been a good fit here in the past, but our current situation doesn't warrant any serious interest in him right now.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

he should replace T.C

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;525201]In the context of this post, Leftwich is a viable option to replace Campbell for a year or two. he will be one of the cheapest free agents on the market (which is important, not only because of our cap situation, but also because rumor has it snyder is going to be stingy this off-season), he has some familiarity to the WCO (even though he wasnt that great in it), and he wants to be here. If he really has this lightning fast decision making that Florio speaks of, he's an upgrade over Campbell by default. One of the many reasons Campbell is a horrible fit here is he can't make decisions quickly enough. He also lconsistently locks on to his receivers and is cripplingly (is that a word?) to take a chance - Leftwich would be an upgrade in those areas as well. [/quote]But don't you see the big picture here? People wrote Leftwich off because of non-measurable evidences such as: "Slow release, slow decision making, non-system quarterback". None of those things are actually true in Leftwich's case (well, slow release is true, but that's made irrelivant by other things he does well). But you are invoking the same non-measureable arguments against Campbell as you are dismissing in support of Leftwich.

Leftwich is no better or worse of a decision-maker than Campbell is, who is no better or worse a decision maker than Jeff Garcia is. It's all perception based on a number of factors.

Thankfully, you can measure QB improvement, and all three of the aforementioned guys kept improving from the 3rd to 4th to 5th to 6th year in the NFL. The narratives are very different though, thanks entirely to scouting error.

One guy went on to develop into a pro bowler, then his stock dropped, bounced around the league, and resurfaced. Another guy was developing, had his development abruptly ended, bounced around the league and now his stock is on the upswing. The last guy has yet to be replaced by his current team, but the fan base is split down the middle on his future and the front office is hesitant to pull the trigger.

Shouldn't we worry about getting it right with our own guy before trying to pick up a career reclaimation project?

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;525207]Actually, if there were ever a year to be bad, its 2009. Since 2010 will be the last year of the CBA, certain rules go into effect. One of them is that the best 8 teams in the NFL (teams that dont make the playoffs or who are eliminated from the playoffs wild-card weekend) are forbidden from signing free agents until the lose an equal number of their own. For example, if we wanted to sign in 2 free agents, we would have to release two of our own first... and its not like we could just sign them back later on... other than the draft, we'd be extremely limited in what we were able to do to upgrade our team.

Also, Ive also read conflicting reports about whether there will be a draft in 2011... if theres not, i can see an increased number of juniors entering the draft in 2010 to avoid the uncertainty in whatever would happen in 2011. So by playing poorly in 2009, we would be in a much better position to acquire talent in 2010 - the last year with a draft. It would put us in a much better position long-term.

Just to clarify, i'm in no way advocating that we deliberatly tank the 2009 season. I just think the dynamics of the expiring CBA may make this the best time to focus on the future, instead of constantly trying to patch this team together with aging vets, like we've done for the past decade.

On a side note, If theres not a draft in 2011, perhaps we can trade some of our 2011 picks to a team that hasnt done their research ;)[/quote]
the only way there is no draft is if there is a lockout

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=Slingin Sammy 33;525226]Colt Brennan = Timmy Chang, what have you seen to make you believe CB will be successful as an NFL starter?[/quote]
Off the top of my head, both John Madden and Clinton Portis think Brennan is going to be a baller some day. He is a QB hand-picked by Zorn so Zorn saw something in him.

As to your Timmy Chang comparison, its insulting. From wikipedia:

[U]Colt Brennan[/U]
[quote]Brennan holds the NCAA D-I record for most touchdown passes in a single season with 58, as well as 30 other NCAA Division I FBS records.[/quote]

[U]Timmy Chang[/U]
[quote]Chang currently holds the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision all-time interception record with 80,[/quote]
Chang also doesnt have the height to be an NFL QB. If not for his injury, Brennan was slated in most mocks to go in round 3; 4 at the latest. Chang was never slated to be drafted by anyone. yes, Brennan was in a very QB-friendly system. yes he has a long way to go, but the kid is a good fit for our offense. He may not be the long-term answer for us at QB, but then again, he may be. Campbell has already proved that he isnt.

[quote=Slingin Sammy 33;525226]Leftwich is not an upgrade over Campbell. I don't accept the premise that Campbell "can't make decisions quickly" or "locks on" moreso than any other QB in his situation. These are very general statements that aren't quantified or backed up by any evidence.[/quote]
They are general statements yes, but no one who watched him play can disagree with these statements unless they want to argue just for the sake of arguing. Unless someone wants to watch every QBs eyes every play and then compare how many times Campbell stares down vs others, of course it cant be backed up by evidence... but the fact still remains that Campbell almost always stares down his guy. Its not the exception with him, its the rule. He has improved some in his decision making, yes, but his release has barely improved at all. as far as leftwhich being "better" than Campbell... its debateable. neither of them can be our franchise WCO QB. However, if we traded Campbell and went with Leftwich, we would atleast have compensation in extra draft picks.

[quote=]Gibbs ran that system and JC's QB rating was much less. He's not particularly accurate downfield.[/quote] Campbell never had time to develop in that system - but he was a much better fit for it. Our offense as a whole suffered dramatically by the organizational structure here under Gibbs. It was chaos. Gibbs was in charge of the running game, Saunders the passing; Gibbs always made Campbell wait until the last second before giving Campbell the play; etc... all of that really hurt Campbell. if we had kept a similar offense but actually had someone competent running things, our offense (and Campbell) would have been much better in 2009.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=GTripp0012;525240]But don't you see the big picture here? People wrote Leftwich off because of non-measurable evidences such as: "Slow release, slow decision making, non-system quarterback". None of those things are actually true in Leftwich's case (well, slow release is true, but that's made irrelivant by other things he does well). But you are invoking the same non-measureable arguments against Campbell as you are dismissing in support of Leftwich.

Leftwich is no better or worse of a decision-maker than Campbell is, who is no better or worse a decision maker than Jeff Garcia is. It's all perception based on a number of factors.

Thankfully, you can measure QB improvement, and all three of the aforementioned guys kept improving from the 3rd to 4th to 5th to 6th year in the NFL. The narratives are very different though, thanks entirely to scouting error.

One guy went on to develop into a pro bowler, then his stock dropped, bounced around the league, and resurfaced. Another guy was developing, had his development abruptly ended, bounced around the league and now his stock is on the upswing. The last guy has yet to be replaced by his current team, but the fan base is split down the middle on his future and the front office is hesitant to pull the trigger.

Shouldn't we worry about getting it right with our own guy before trying to pick up a career reclaimation project?[/quote]

I do see the big picture, which is why I want to move Campbell now.

You assume Campbell has the potential to become a franchise WCO quarterback. Everyone in the NFL was ridiculing the skins for bringing in Zorn last year because everyone realized that Campbell is a horrible fit for the offense Zorn would want to run. Dragging this thing out with Campbell is going to get us nowhere. We'll have a serviceable QB for a year, maybe two, but then we'll have to let him walk as a free agent and receive no compensation in return. Campbells trade value will never be higher than it is now. he's worth more to us as a 2nd round pick than he is as a 1-2 year starter; especially when we could bring in Leftwich (who couldnt be any worse) and have a 2nd round pick to use on a lineman.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=GTripp0012;525235]I like Byron Leftwich a lot, but the time to jump on him would have been last year when his value as at it's lowest. Thanks to some good performances as backup QB of the Super Bowl Champs, Leftwich's value is back in line with his talent level, and we would be competing with teams that want him as a starter.

Bottom line: Leftwich would have been a good fit here in the past, but our current situation doesn't warrant any serious interest in him right now.[/quote]

I also cant help thinking why would BL want to leave a perennial contender like Pgh to come to the Skins. I know he's from DC but Pgh is only 4 hours from here so he's not far from his family.

re: Updated: Discuss our Backup QB Situation (formerly Byron Leftwich)
 

[quote=irish;525251]I also cant help thinking why would BL want to leave a perennial contender like Pgh to come to the Skins. I know he's from DC but Pgh is only 4 hours from here so he's not far from his family.[/quote]

He's already got a ring from Pittsburg. Why would he want to stay with them as a backup, making backup money, and know that he would never get the chance to start unless Big Ben got hurt?

He's still fairly young, is a free agent, and the redskins are the team he presumably grew up rooting for. If he felt he had a chance to come here, get starting money, and actually get to PLAY for the team he loves, why stay in pittsburg and sit on a bench the rest of his career?