My gut feeling is that there will be an honest competition for the job with a couple of caveats - Brunnell has a a distinct but not overwhelming "head start" in the race to be starter AND all ties go to Brunnell.
With that said, Patrick can win the job. Gibbs is not an idiot and will play the guy who he believes gives the 'Skins the best chance to win. Period.
Given the nature of the position and for Ramsey to win the competition, however, Ramsey has to be noticeably better than Brunnell at comprehending the offense, play/defense recognition and actual passing skill (accuracy, release, touch-passing, and arm strenth). If he is better than Brunell in two of those three areas, I think Gibbs will make him starter.
If, based on their mental and physical SKILLS, Gibbs feels they are basically interchangeable in terms of giving the team a chance to win, Brunell will get the nod based on his veteran status.
Essentially, Brunell has a skill set which Ramsey simply does not have right now and which he cannot get; the "been there done that" skills - The experience of being a starter (and winner) in the league over a long period of time. Because Ramsey cannot compete with Brunell in this area, Ramsey has to clearly beat Brunell in those areas which he can compete.
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