Campbell Shows Poise Under Pressure

All the reshuffling along the line has adversely affected the running game. The Redskins are 21st in the league, with an average of 3.7 yards per rush, well below the 4.8-yard average Gibbs and Al Saunders, associate head coach-offense, would prefer.

The Redskins only had 33 yards on 12 carries in the second half at Green Bay. Campbell was sacked three times in the game and faced constant pressure after halftime.

"It's kind of petrifying," said Joe Bugel, assistant head coach-offense. "I look at our great quarterback . . . we can't afford to get him hit like that."

Playing on a slick field in the mist, Campbell completed 21 of 37 passes for 217 yards with one touchdown and an interception. He made sharp throws, but his receivers dropped many balls.

Gibbs was encouraged by Campbell's passing "because some [quarterbacks] struggle in bad weather," he said. "I thought Jason did an outstanding job. That's good news for us."

Twice this season, Campbell has had to adjust quickly because of problems with communications equipment. After his headset malfunctioned late in the first half of a 20-12 victory over Philadelphia on Sept. 17, Campbell threw a touchdown pass to tight end Chris Cooley on the Redskins' final drive before halftime. He also continued to run the offense well against Green Bay while Bill Lazor, the quarterbacks coach, relayed the plays using hand signals.

"The man's been playing like he's been in the league for about five or six years," fullback Mike Sellers said. "And he's not acting, that's just the way he is. He's got the patience and the poise to do what he has to do to get the job done, so I'm not surprised at all. Not even remotely."

Campbell's steady approach in the pocket and locker room has impressed teammates, especially those charged with his protection. Of course, Campbell could use more help, and the running game is an area in need of improvement.

"It puts pressure on him when we can't run the ball, and it also puts pressure on the offensive line," right guard Jason Fabini said. "Jason has done a great job; we know we've got to run the ball."

Campbell has not complained about how the line's problems have affected his performance, but those closest to him on the team acknowledge the situation "makes it a little harder for him," Sellers said. "We might be running a little low on offensive linemen, but Jason still has confidence in his linemen."

Said backup center Mike Pucillo: "There's always pressure on the starting quarterback. He gets the blame and a lot of the praise, and it's definitely harder for him now."

As the player who directs the offense, Campbell understands his every action will be dissected each week in the media and by the Redskins' fans. But Campbell was stung by criticism of his performance after the Redskins squandered a two-touchdown lead in a 24-17 loss to the New York Giants on Sept. 23.

Campbell completed only seven of 18 passes for 76 yards after halftime as Washington's offense stalled. Overall, he went 16 for 34 for 190 yards and one touchdown.

"Everybody wants to criticize me when we lose," he said. "I went back and watched the film, and I didn't have a bad game. There were a couple of plays you wish you had back, but I didn't lose the game. We lost the game as a team -- offense, defense and special teams.

"People were starting to panic and we were 2-1. We're not even peaking yet. We still have a lot of improvement to go in a long season. If you're peaking early in the season . . . you'd rather be peaking in November, December. We have had a lot of injuries, but I have confidence in this team."