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Campbell Strives to Turn Over A New Leaf
Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel, left, was all over Jason Campbell, who had a career-high four turnovers in the 52-7 loss to New England.
(John McDonnell - The Post)
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"We need to take more shots, we know that," said Joe Bugel, assistant head coach-offense. "But to take more shots you've got to be able to run the football."
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Several prominent players, including Campbell, said they were surprised he has attempted fewer passes in 2007 than he did last season.
Coach Joe Gibbs is striving for a balance between the run and pass, holding up the Redskins' 34-3 win over Detroit on Oct. 7 as the paradigm, when they ran 35 times for 118 yards and Campbell completed 23 of 29 passes for 248 yards.
"In that game we wound up with real good balance . . . and that's kind of the formula," Gibbs said. "That's what we'd like to be."
Campbell has been sacked 12 times this season after just seven last year. Washington's inconsistent pass protection is related to the conservative nature of the offense, as the coaches want to avoid an injury to Campbell. After Sunday's struggles, the Redskins' offense practiced against more live blitzes yesterday, going at game-pace.
"We've got to protect that kid, because he can throw the ball 50-60 yards downfield, and that's what we have to do," Bugel said. "We have to be a vertical passing team, and you've got to be able to hold somebody off for 2.5 seconds. Be a bump in the road."
Even the most savvy quarterback would have fumbled on many of the hits Campbell has absorbed.
"I think Jason would be the first one to tell you he's got to be a little more careful in the pocket," associate head coach-offense Al Saunders said. " But two times when the ball came out [Sunday] he was in the process of delivering the football, and we've got to protect him a little better so that doesn't happen."
The Redskins practice strip drills each week in which defenders try to pry the ball loose, and Campbell is told to use a two-handed grip and to keep the high and tight to his body. Gibbs recalled benching Mark Rypien, who went on to win a Super Bowl with him, for being too careless with the ball, but believes Campbell's issues are less severe.
"I certainly think knowing him, that's an experience [Sunday] you didn't want," Gibbs said. "But I'd be willing to bet he learns from it."
