Has Todd Collins vindicated the Al Saunders offense?

[GoSkins!]

We have just witnessed an offense that has dismantled last years NFC Superbowl representatives, two playoff teams, and 1 "would be playoff" team. We were able to run on great run stuffing defenses and complete long passes against teams with strong pass rushing abilities. I believe Todd has vindicated Al.

The bigger question is, will this vindication earn the trust of Joe Gibbs? There has been a lot of talk about how Gibbs might be limiting Al's play-calling. I think we just witnessed the end of that discussion over the last 4 games!

[GTripp0012]

Not really. I mean Campbell was making all the same throws that Collins is. The difference is that Collins rarely turns the ball over, and has yet to be picked.

[GoSkins!]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Not really. I mean Campbell was making all the same throws that Collins is. The difference is that Collins rarely turns the ball over, and has yet to be picked.

I agree that Campbell has made the same throws, but Collins is hitting those 30-40 yard passes for TD's to his wide receivers. Campbell hit Cooley a couple of times but had a hard time finding Moss et.al. in the end zone. He did, however, hit those guys for long gains between the 20's.

Campbell also seemed to get a little rattled in the second half. Not unnerved, but it now looks to me that he had a little trouble dealing with opposing defenses second half adjustments. I expect that having another offseason to review will fix that for him. I read an article in the Post where Dick Vermiel was interviewed saying that he believes Campbell really needs this next offseason and then he will light it up.

Right now, Collins is just making the throws in the second half that keep sustaining drives and scoring points. We have lacked that with Campbell.

[irish]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Not really. I mean Campbell was making all the same throws that Collins is. The difference is that Collins rarely turns the ball over, and has yet to be picked.

Campbell cant make half the throws TC can. Campbell throws a good deep ball but thats about it. Campbell gets the ball out of his hands fast and can make the short, medium, and touch passes that Campbell cant. Also TC doesnt fumble because he doesnt hold the ball down by his hip to start his release. He moves so much faster than TC right now its amazing. I think this is the AS offense Gibbs thought he was getting and now that there is a QB that can run it good things are happening.

[MTK]

This is an easy and resounding YES.

[BrudLee]

Campbell was making throws he thought were open. In a timing offense, you need to make the throws you believe are going to be open.

I have no intention of throwing Campbell under the bus. I would say, in fact, that this run with Todd might be the best thing for Campbell. Now that he sees this offense working, Jason might buy into the program a little more, and when he next plays he'll be better suited.

[MonkFan4Life]

You're so right Brud. On that touchdown to Moss Collins threw the ball when Santana broke inside; and as soon as Moss turned upfield all he had to do was turn around and put his hands up. Touchdown.

[skinsfan69]

The offense didn't need to be vindicated.

[Gibbsmeatitle#1]

Originally Posted by BrudLee

Campbell was making throws he thought were open. In a timing offense, you need to make the throws you believe are going to be open.

I have no intention of throwing Campbell under the bus. I would say, in fact, that this run with Todd might be the best thing for Campbell. Now that he sees this offense working, Jason might buy into the program a little more, and when he next plays he'll be better suited.

I agree wholeheartedly. If Campbell is the QB we think/hope he is, he'll have the maturity and wisdom to learn from this experience. Mind you, this is bigger than just learning the offensive better. It's learning to deal with an injury. It may also involve dealing with a QB controversy. While the jury is still out on him, he has shown a great deal of resiliency and intelligence in the past with having to learn upteen offensive systems both in college and the pros. Hopefully when married with maturity, wisdom and proper mentorship he will take us to the promised land.

GMAT

__________________________
I might not know what I'm talking about, but what I do know is that I am talking about what?

[memphisskin]

I don't think this has vindicated the offense as much as given us a glimpse of what is yet to come. I love how Collins is playing, but before we go throwing Jason Campbell under the bus let's just remember that Brunell struggled in this offense as well. The timing and trust that Collins has in this offense can't be picked up in one offseason, it takes time to understand and believe. I think that Campbell will be much more prepared next season as he'll not only have his own film to study but can look at Collins as well. It's win-win to me.

[redsk1]

Originally Posted by skinsfan69

The offense didn't need to be vindicated.

Agree...AS is a proven year after year offensive guru. His O's are consistently top 10 in the league. He doesn't need vindication. For whatever reason its clicking now.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by skinsfan69

The offense didn't need to be vindicated.

I wouldn't be so sure about that. Saunders was on the hotseat prior to this run and he could have ended up being the scapegoat had we missed the playoffs.

[Southpaw]

Originally Posted by irish

Campbell cant make half the throws TC can. Campbell throws a good deep ball but thats about it. Campbell gets the ball out of his hands fast and can make the short, medium, and touch passes that Campbell cant. Also TC doesnt fumble because he doesnt hold the ball down by his hip to start his release. He moves so much faster than TC right now its amazing. I think this is the AS offense Gibbs thought he was getting and now that there is a QB that can run it good things are happening.

Uh, Collins had two fumbles yesterday, and has had three in four games, so I wouldn't exactly say he "doesn't fumble"? And saying that Campbell "can't" make the same throws as Collins is ridiculous. He wasn't making the throws before we was injured, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have the ability to make those throws.

Collins certainly has the timing figured out in Saunders offense better than Campbell, but the upside to Todd Collins is nonexistent. I agree with Brud's comments. Seeing Collins run the offense will help Campbell develop within Saunders' system.

[MTK]

Campbell is physically capable of making any throw, and his arm is definitely much stronger than Collins.

Collins however is proving that experience and the mental aspect of the game is so critical. In that aspect Collins as the advantage. In time we'll see if Campbell can get to that same level. He just needs more time and experience.

[Jesse E. Timmons]

consider it vindicated.