A Quarterback Controversy Made In Hog Heaven
Gary Cope, SkinsGridiron.com, Aug. 3, 2004

ASHBURN - Who's it going to be? The cagey veteran who has mastered the short passing game and can still scramble; or the young, rifle-armed gunslinger who can stretch the field and isn't afraid to take a hit? This year's training camp features the stuff quarterback controversies are made of and if you're a Redskins fan, you absolutely love life right about now.

So far, the Ramsey and Brunell camps seemed pretty evenly divided. About half want Ramsey, in his third season, to start for the Skins. The other half wants Brunell. Regardless, both sides feel comfortable with whatever decision Coach Joe Gibbs makes. He is a living legend afterall.

The Breakdowns
Ramsey is the incumbent, having started 11 games last season before a foot injury ended his season. Fans love him because he's gritty, tough and Lord knows he can take a hit (he was sacked nearly three times a game in 2003). He has a cannon for an arm and if a receiver isn't paying attention, watch out. His powerful throws remind me of John Elway.

Ramsey showed poise in the pocket last season, despite not having much protection…sorry, despite not having any protection. He would bravely stand in the pocket, knowing full well he would get clobbered after he released the ball. And yet, he took the punishment. You simply can't teach nerves like that. It was his team-first mentality that endeared him to the Redskin nation and more importantly to his teammates. We fans were in awe of his seemingly endless threshold for pain, and we marveled at the glimpses of greatness he unveiled for drives at a time.

But, he's still only 25 and has started but 16 games in two years. Plus, he's learning a new offense under Gibbs and even though he prefers it to Spurrier's system, there is still a significant learning curve for the former Tulane standout.

Brunell on the other hand, has started 122 games in his 10-year career. His quarterback rating is among the best all-time and even at the advanced age (for quarterbacks) of 33, he can still make defensive backs miss when he's on the run. He's not as strong as Ramsey, but he has more experience and has been to two AFC title games and four Pro Bowls. You don't get to play in those games without knowing a thing or two about the position.

Brunell also makes significantly more money than his younger competition, but Gibbs insists that will play no role in who starts. As a fan, though, you have to ask yourself, "Are you really going to pay a guy $6 million a year to sit on the bench?" I'm not about to second guess Coach Joe, so if Ramsey beats him out, the answer is "Yes." Brunell will be a highly-priced backup.

But that's nothing new in D.C., now is it? Can you say Jeff George? (Shuddering)

The Race for No. 1
So far, Brunell and Ramsey are getting fairly equal snaps in practice, although the former Jaguar generally goes first. Age before beauty I suppose. It's probably a good thing for young Mr. Ramsey as he gets a chance to watch a veteran at work, hopefully picking up useful tips and dos and don'ts.

Ramsey has the benefit of letting Brunell warm up the receivers, because if they're going to drop a ball, or miss a route, it will likely be early in the practice. When Ramsey takes the field, the receivers should be warmed up, have steadier hands less likely to run the wrong pattern.

What about their teammates? Well, so far, they don't seem to care who starts because they believe in both these guys. At least that's what they're saying to the media. The consensus is that no matter who starts, the Skins will have a shot at winning each and every game.

For What It's Worth
Word has it that the two quarterbacks have formed the beginning of a friendship, but still understand they're competing for a starting job. I want them to work well together and get along, but not like Marc Bulger and Kurt Warner last year in St. Louis. I don't care how much faith you have in a guy, you're here to play football. And when the coach asks you to come in and help the team, you get your helmet and punch in.

So, while my loyalties lie with Ramsey because he's been with the team and proven himself in my eyes, I want the best quarterback to start on Sept. 12. Regardless of who Gibbs chooses, we can all rest easy with the knowledge that Ramsey is still the future of this team and if his time doesn't come this year, don't worry, he will get his shot soon enough.