Commanders Post at The Warpath - View Single Post - Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil)

mike340 · 06-23-2006, 10:02 PM

Last year, until the last 5 weeks, every game was close. Only 2 games in the first 11 were decided by more than a touchdown (SF, Giants#1). So Brunell had to stay in. At the end, we finally started putting teams away. This year I think we should be able to get a healthy lead in a number of games. Since Joe Gibbs probably sees what we do (i.e., Brunell has more chance to be hurt for the playoffs if he's left in more time) he (and Saunders) may start putting in Campbell (and Betts) to preserve Brunell and Portis, as well as seasoning Campbell. In his first few chances, I expect Campbell to pass little, but if he shows ability, they'll probably let him pass more. That way, if something does happen to Brunell, they have someone who can replace him (assuming Campbell or Collins appear good enough.)

As far as Brunell in 2004, I'd have to say that Coles was our best receiver after the catch...he sure could tackle those defensive backs!

I also think that Thrash may have been more injured than he let on last year (like Brunell in 2004), and he may once again be a good 3rd down receiver, since he always knows where the first-down line is.

06-23-2006, 10:02 PM	#58
mike340 Special Teams Join Date: Jun 2006 Age: 69 Posts: 322	Re: Gas in the tank: Brunell (sponsored by big oil) Last year, until the last 5 weeks, every game was close. Only 2 games in the first 11 were decided by more than a touchdown (SF, Giants#1). So Brunell had to stay in. At the end, we finally started putting teams away. This year I think we should be able to get a healthy lead in a number of games. Since Joe Gibbs probably sees what we do (i.e., Brunell has more chance to be hurt for the playoffs if he's left in more time) he (and Saunders) may start putting in Campbell (and Betts) to preserve Brunell and Portis, as well as seasoning Campbell. In his first few chances, I expect Campbell to pass little, but if he shows ability, they'll probably let him pass more. That way, if something does happen to Brunell, they have someone who can replace him (assuming Campbell or Collins appear good enough.) As far as Brunell in 2004, I'd have to say that Coles was our best receiver after the catch...he sure could tackle those defensive backs! I also think that Thrash may have been more injured than he let on last year (like Brunell in 2004), and he may once again be a good 3rd down receiver, since he always knows where the first-down line is.