'Skins' offense speeds it up

The Washington Redskins' offense, however, has actually shown a few signs of life since then. Campbell, for one, has demonstrated an admirable toughness in withstanding some of the wicked contact that has proven inevitable this season behind Washington's patchwork offensive line.

And it appears that pass-play-caller Sherman Lewis has adjusted since his debut Oct. 26 against Philadelphia. He and the other Redskins coaches that install the game plan seemingly have scrapped long-developing plays from Washington's arsenal. That has limited the Redskins' chances of stretching the field with a big play, but it has also prevented the type of pass-protection calamity that a national audience witnessed on that Monday night last month.

"We're staying away from long-developing plays right now until we become more comfortable," Campbell said.

Lewis has declined all interview requests since his introductory media session last month, so his exact line of thinking is unclear. But even someone who wasn't with the team for the first six games could plainly see how long-developing plays were practically impossible because of constant pass-protection breakdowns.

Lewis realized that firsthand when Campbell was sacked six times and hit 10 in Washington's 27-17 loss to Philadelphia. Campbell suffered an ankle injury early in the game and still hasn't completely healed.

Against the Eagles, 43 percent of Campbell's 53 dropbacks were five steps or more. Since then, there has been a noticeable shift away from such plays. For example, he dropped five steps only 29 percent of the time in a win against Denver in Week 10.

Campbell took a seven-step drop five times against Philadelphia but none against Denver.

"I think with the problems we've had earlier with pass protection, the three-step drop has worked great for Jason because he gets it out of his hands quick," fullback Mike Sellers said.

PROS, CONS OF FAST PLAYS

Short drops and quick throws are key components of the West Coast offense, so this recent shift doesn't move the Redskins away from what they're comfortable doing.

It has aided the beleaguered offensive line, though, because the linemen don't have to pass protect as long.

"I think it helps our tackles out the most," center Casey Rabach said. "They're able to jump a guy inside-out, and knowing Jason is shallow in the pocket, they're able to run guys by."

There's an obvious downside, though. The Redskins rarely throw deep because they don't have time to. Opposing defenses are beginning to adjust accordingly. Recent long plays through the air have mostly resulted from yards gained after the catch.

"The ball has to come out quick, and you have to make quick decisions," Campbell said. "Defenses tend to know that sometime and they will kind of play close up. A lot of it just has to do with us trying to get a rhythm and trying to make sure the core guys we have on the offensive line are continuing to build confidence in each other and trust."

And on plays that do require Campbell to take a longer drop, he is standing stronger in the pocket than he was at times earlier this season.

Campbell was noticeably jittery in the face of the rush against Kansas City in Week 6. All the punishment he had taken finally affected his psyche. He caught himself taking his eyes off his receivers to focus on the pass rushers.

Campbell, however, was much better in that regard against Dallas last Sunday. He made several quality "hot" throws in the face of blitzers that were coming unblocked.

"You're going to get hit in the mouth sometimes on throws," Campbell said. "You have to hang tough."

NO ESCAPING THE HITS

Head coach Jim Zorn has preached to Campbell the necessity for toughness as Washington's offensive line has repeatedly broken down this season.

"Expect to be sore after the game, expect us to get unloaded on several times during the game," Zorn said. "If you are surprised about that, the physical part of the game, then you are always going to be shying away and tentative in that pocket."

Quarterbacks, as Zorn points out, are not subject to contact in practice. They're hit only in games, so preparing for contact is as much psychological as physical.

"I feel like Jason has taken some hits," Zorn said. "He knows this game is physical. He has got to be as physical as any linebacker in the game. Now, he is not going to deliver the blow, but he certainly has to take the blow."

Campbell certainly has experience doing that. He has been sacked 29 times this season, the third most in the NFL.

But he's hoping that Sunday's rematch against Philadelphia will be different. Fewer long-developing plays should at least give him a better chance of walking out of the stadium without a limp.

NOTES

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (ankle) successfully ran straight ahead yesterday but still is struggling to move laterally without pain, Zorn said. Cornerback DeAngelo Hall (knee) missed his second straight practice. Carlos Rogers would start in his place.

Linebacker H.B. Blades (knee) and tight end Todd Yoder (toe) missed practice. Zorn confirmed that Edwin Williams will start at right guard on Sunday against the Eagles.

Guard Paul Fanaika signed with Washington from Philadelphia's practice squad earlier this week, but the Redskins haven't pressed him for information about this Sunday's opponent.

Rich Campbell: 540/735-1974

Email: rcampbell@freelancestar.com

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