QB Campbell to Start; RB Portis Sidelined

The Washington Redskins will look different come this weekend because of two key roster moves. Both were made due to necessity, but were necessary for different reasons. One change is for the long term, but the other is, hopefully, for as short as possible.

The Redskins 2nd pick in the 1st round of the 2005 NFL Draft will finally get on the field in this weekend’s game at Tampa Bay. Quarterback Jason Campbell, 24 years old, will make his first NFL appearance and start. The coaches have been preparing the former Auburn standout since the bye week, three weeks ago. He has had increased practice time and has helped with play calling in practices. Joe Gibbs has called Campbell a “hard worker.” The head coach has also said that Campbell has a “good feel” for the playbook and that it will be tailored to what they think he does best.

Was Mark Brunell’s average play, at best, the only reason why the Skins have been so second-rate? Hell no, but ya gotta start somewhere, right? The Skins’ defense is non-existent, and the team is one of the most heavily penalized teams in the league. There are plenty more problems with this team then just the QB, so keep that in mind this weekend.

Another one of those problems is the absence of running back Clinton Portis, who broke his hand in Sunday’s game. He will be out for 3 to 4 weeks at best! Remember the first two games of the season? Portis played in the first game but was still hurting, then he sat out the second game. In those two games, the Redskins offense was even worse then it is now.

Second string RB Ladell Betts will now be the starter. He has been doing a real good job this season as the back up to Portis. Betts will now have to carry the full load of the running game. Hopefully, he will get some help from the other two Redskins running backs. T.J. Duckett has seen hardly any action in this, his first – and probably last – season as a Redskin. Rock Cartwright is also available to run the ball. Rock has carried the ball even less this season, but has had a pro-bowl caliber year in returning kick offs.

In my next post, I will explore how these changes to the Redskins’ roster will impact the Skins in this season and beyond! So, check back soon!