Brunell is killing Portis

[Shane]

"Ramsey has a stronger arm than Brunell, but his weaknesses -- mobility and reading defenses -- are Brunell's strengths. However, Brunell has been criticized for no longer having a strong enough arm for Gibbs's offense, which calls for occasionally going downfield on play-action passes. Brunell is averaging only 5.6 yards per pass completion -- worst in the NFC -- and has completed only two passes for more than 30 yards." - Washington Post

"I was very impressed with Mark Brunell's arm" - Troy Aikman

I really think we have two major problems, the first of which is extremely high expectations for the team this season, leading to severe disappointment at the losses.

As a team, we are going through dramatic change with not only an entirely new system being put in, but really very different leadership in the organization. Joe Gibbs has come in and replaced a laizzez faire coach in Spurrier and really become the de facto leader of the organization. The buck stops with Joe Gibbs now, because Snyder had the wisdom to recognize he didn't have the answers.

If this weren't enough, I think it is clear that just as Gibbs had to adjust his strategy greatly 23 years ago when he first arrived and we were going through a similar period of crisis, Gibbs and the staff will have to make adjustments now. Part of the problem with our offense is that our system needs to be somewhat reenvisioned. Joe Gibbs and the staff are the smartest and most adaptable around, and they will find the answers.

Some folks here want to install Patrick Ramsey as quarterback. Perhaps he would make defenses somewhat more concerned about the deep ball. But with Ramsey in there, you have someone who is not experienced reading defenses and who is not as mobile as I think a quarterback needs to be right now for us given our overall issues as a team. I do think that Brunell's arm strength is adequate. If Ramsey goes in then teams will be able to take advantage of his inexperience. Until we can protect Ramsey better and still have enough receivers going downfield, his mobility and his tendency to hold onto the ball a long time to make a decision will be difficult issues. Brunell is an experienced leader as well and his leadership and determination to succeed here will help lift us.

"Patience is all the strength that a man needs" - Wise Man