Campbell's Time To Shine

Many things are changing in Washington this off season including the firing of Jim Zorn for Mike Shanahan and the acquiring of Donovan McCnab. These transactions proved fatal for Campbell's future with the Red Skins. So in April, 2010, Jason Campbell was traded to the Oakland Raiders.


The Run Down
Jason Campbell has spent his whole career in Washington, being drafted by them 25th overall in the 2005 NFL draft. He made his first start in 2006. Throughout his Washington days, Campbell was forced to deal with a very poor offensive line, an often confused defense, and difficult receivers. Both of his prime WR's were 5'10, making their catching zone (due to wingspan) naturally smaller. Although they did possess speed, deep ball attempts often turned deadly for Washington's offense due to the lack of ability to out jump and out power the defense.

Another thought to keep in mind is that since he began his career as a starter in 2006, his QB rating has gone up each season, even when his team (overall) is getting worse (as seen in table below).

2006- [Rating]= 76.5__ [Record]= 5-11__[Total Yards]= 1,297
[Completion %]=53.1__[Touchdowns]=10

2007- [Rating]= 77.6 __[Record]=9-7__[Total Yards]= 2,700
[Completion %]=60.0__[Touchdowns]= 12

2008- [Rating]= 84.3 __[Record]= 8-8__[Total Yards]= 3,245
Completion %]=62.3__[Touchdowns]=13

2009 -[Rating]= 86.4.__[Record]= 4-12__[Total Yards]= 3,618
Completion %]= 64.5__[Touchdowns]=20

Campbell This Season
Campbell's expectations for the Raiders will be met. Last year the Raiders managed to pull off 5 wins. This year, Campbell will lead them to more then that. The raiders have many young guns waiting to fire, much like Jason. Better blocking will give Campbell more time and bigger receivers will give him larger targets (as shown below).

Top 4 Oakland WR's (in order by 2009 receptions)

Louis Murphy
[Height]=6-2

Chaz Schilens
[Height]=6-4

Johnnie Lee Higgins
[Height]=5-11

Darrius Heyward-Bey
[Height]=6-2

IMPORTANT:
His receivers will also allow Campbell to throw it deep more often. Campbell's arm is very impressive and can out out distance many quarter backs on the long ball.

Now it'd be silly to say that the Raiders would make the playoffs this season, but if the Raider's D steps it up and their rushing gets off and running, then maybe a playoff birth could be in order.