Ramsey’s Future Depends On His Present

By Scott Hurrey | August 17th, 2005

This year is Washington Redskin quarterback Patrick Ramsey’s year to make his mark in the National Football League. There comes a time in every player’s career when it’s do or die, and that time is now for the Ruston, LA native.

Throughout Ramsey’s professional career, he has shown flashes of brilliance. He has made spectacular plays and garnered a reputation as a tough player with heart and character. Now entering his fourth season, Ramsey will need to put it all together to ensure his future in the NFL.

While Coach Joe Gibbs has made it clear that this is Ramsey’s team, he also sent Ramsey a clear message by trading three picks for the 25th overall selection earlier this season; a pick used to select quarterback Jason Campbell.

That’s not to say that fans can expect to see Campbell this season. Coach Gibbs has stuck by his quarterbacks throughout his coaching career, including Mark Brunell last season when injury slowed the veteran quarterback and affected his play. Coach Gibbs is also known for utilizing veteran players whenever possible. The only way we are likely to see Campbell play this season is if both Ramsey and Brunell are injured.

What that doeslikely mean however, is that the Washington Redskins believe that Jason Campbell is the future of the franchise. Campbell will likely be the starting quarterback before Coach Gibbs ends his second tenure at the helm of the team, and that means Ramsey must perform, not only to be the starting quarterback for this team, but to establish himself as either a quality backup for the Redskins or a starter elsewhere.

The keys for Ramsey seem to be fairly simple, at least from a laymen’s point of view. Settle down in the pocket, trust the protection and plant his foot and step into each throw. Ramsey had good numbers in the first pre-season game against Carolina last week, but it seemed as though his feet never stopped moving. If the offensive line’s play during that game was any indication of what we can expect throughout the season, it will not take Ramsey long to get comfortable and do the things he needs to do to be successful.

Patrick Ramsey may or may not be the best quarterback to lead the Redskins this season, but he is the man who will do so. As such, the best thing Redskin fans can do is rally around Ramsey. No quarterback can perform at the top of his game when the home crowd is booing or chanting for another quarterback.

Coach Gibbs is putting his confidence in Ramsey this season — Redskins’ fans need to do the same.

Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Scott Hurrey