Jim Zorn, Washington Redskins / Photo: Newscom

There were key turnovers—three in all. Late in the first half, with a touchdown lead—after an interception of Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Kareem Moore fumbled into the waiting arms of Saints receiver Robert Meachem who returned it for a touchdown. Deflating. That tied the game at halftime. In the second half and overtime, two costly turnovers (a careless interception by Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell and a fumble after a reception by Mike Sellers) gave the Saints golden chances to put the game away. As they eventually would.

What really turned the tide in this game, though, was a missed field goal. It started with 6:52 to play in regulation. The Skins methodically moved the ball from their own 41 to the New Orleans four-yard-line. In the NFL, you have to assume your kicker (in this case Shaun Suisham) can make a 23-yard field goal to give you a two score lead with less than two minutes to play. It was elementary and it would virtually lock the game. So the Skins played the percentages by running the ball into traffic and burning the clock, forcing the Saints to use the remainder of their timeouts. And I don’t fault Redskins head coach Jim Zorn for that, even though running their regular offense probably would’ve resulted in a two touchdown lead. But Suisham missed the chip-shot field goal attempt and five plays later, the Saints tied the game.

There are a few things you simply can’t get away with (interceptions and missing easy field goals) and still expect to win at this level, especially against a team as good as the New Orleans Saints. The Redskins did all those things today. And in most cases, that’s what separates the good teams (like the Saints) from the bad teams (like the Redskins).

Source: NFL.com

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Redskins Help Saints Stay Undefeated

Jason met with Skins owner Dan Snyder and head coach Jim Zorn:

“We talked for a long time about everything that had happened and the thing I felt the best about was that I got a chance to talk about what I’m trying to do, which is just get ready for the season and try to help this team get to that higher level. (They) let me know how they feel about things and that’s why I’d say it was real successful because now it’s just about moving forward and trying to win. I’m going to be in this offense for my second year, coach Zorn has learned a lot, different stuff that can help us be more successful, and I just think it was real positive today.”

That’s all well and good but obviously the message this trade attempt sends is that the Redskins think they can do better at the quarterback position. And it has to sting Jason’s confidence to a certain extent. But I like the way he is handling himself through this ordeal. If you’re going to be a quarterback in the National Football League, you’d better be ready for some criticism — both internally and externally. It’s not a position that lends itself to a lot of sensitivity. So, it appears Jason has what it takes mentally. I also think he has what it takes physically. I’m kind of surprised the Redskins were even interested in Jay Cutler. While Jason’s numbers may not have been as good as Jay’s last season, you have to consider that he played in a much different system — with a much better running game. So, he wasn’t going to get the same opportunities to throw the football as Jay did in Denver. That being said, in only his first full season as a starter, I thought Jason performed admirably. And I expect bigger and better things from him in 2009.

Source: USA Today, Photo: Newscom

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Jason Campbell is Determined

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Apparently new Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn has made quite an impression on his quarterbacks. In last night’s 30-16 Hall of Fame Game win over the Indianapolis Colts, QBs Jason Campbell, Todd Collins and Colt Brennan combined for an impressive 19 of 21 passing for 216 yards and three TDs. Colt was especially efficient — 9 of 10 passing for 123 yards with two touchdowns and a near perfect quarterback rating of 157.5. This is going to be a breakout year for Jason Campbell and the Redskins should make the playoffs. Having quality depth at the quarterback position is a security blanket the team will enjoy throughout the 2008 season.

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Redskins QBs Impressive in HOF Win

What Washington Redskins quarterback Todd Collins did last night was truly remarkable. Here’s a guy who hasn’t attempted a pass of any sort in three years. And he hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass in five years. But after starting QB Jason Campbell went down with a knee injury, he was surprisingly thrown into duty in what was arguably the Redskins’ most important game of the season. The results? How does 15 of 20 for 224 yards and two TDs in a 24-16 win sound? With Jason expected out at least four weeks, Todd will be the quarterback to lead the Redskins (now 6-7) the rest of the season. Afterwards Todd said:

“We’ve been through a lot. We really didn’t have any practice time this week, dealing with the death of a teammate and a funeral ….. I’ve been preparing for literally hundreds of games. This was really the first time I was able to go in and get to play in a situation that really mattered.”

Washington’s quest for the playoffs will continue next weekend in New York against the Giants, but they’ll need other teams to lose in order to reach the postseason. If Todd can continue this type of play, they’ll actually have a legitimate shot. Now, do I actually think the Redskins will make the playoffs? No way. I think the team has just been through too much and with the Vikings, Cardinals and Lions still a game up on them in the NFC Wild Card race, I just don’t see it happening.

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Todd Collins Leads Redskins Over Bears, Backup QB Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive