With All Due Respect, You're Squandering It Coach Joe
Gary Cope, SkinsGridiron.com, Sept. 12, 2005

Ashburn, VA - I knew it would happen, but after three quarters? I figured it would take about three or four games before Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs gave Patrick Ramsey the hook in favor of his guy, Mark Brunell. Instead, it took three quarters and a nasty clothesline tackle that left Ramsey shaken, but still able to play. Un-(expletive deleted)-believable.

Ten months ago, Joe Gibbs named Patrick Ramsey his starter for the 2005 season. Why? Well, whatever Gibbs said doesn't matter because everyone knows it was because Brunell was terrible in his nine appearances last year. Ramsey was slightly better, but not by much. As it turns out, Gibbs admitted today, in not so many words, that he made a mistake by not announcing a fair and open quarterback competition during camp. Now, he looks like a jerk.

Yeah, I said it. He looks like a jerk. That's right, I spoke ill of the most revered man in Redskins' history, but that's because he deserves it. He stepped back into a game that's passed him by. He's made mistake after mistake (signing Michael Barrow, who never played a down; giving up way too much for Brunell, who had the worst quarterback rating in the entire league last year), but refused to admit to them, and instead, continues to make even more.

All that being said … he did what was best for the team, which ultimately is his job, regardless of whether people love him or hate him. After training camp wrapped up, it was clear to everyone that Brunell had had the better camp. But by naming Ramsey the started 10 months ago, he had to honor that. But you knew he wanted to change, you just knew it.

Today's decision has everyone talking, and it's not all good for Joe. His reputation is taking hits left and right. People are starting to take shots at him (raising my hand), but at $5 million a year, he can handle it. How do you trust him if you're a player? Sure, he says you're the starter, but he said that to Ramsey and the first chance Gibbs got to yank him, he did.

You can be sure Ramsey can't trust him any more. Last season, Gibbs stuck with a terrible Mark Brunell for nine agonizing games. The fans were booing the veteran, but only because they didn't feel it in good taste to boo a Hall of Fame coach who won three Super Bowls for their beloved Skins. But here's my question, what makes him so untouchable? The answer? Respect. He's earned it.

So, the next question is, how much leeway does that kind of respect give you? How many losing seasons can Gibbs have before people (other than a few like me) can criticize the man without fearing for their safety? Well, here's my answer: He hasn't lost all respect, but by going back on his word, he's lost a great deal of respect in my eyes.

Before you start sending hate e-mail my way, think about a couple of things. First, Gibbs stuck with Brunell entirely too long last season, but his loyalty to his veteran quarterbacks is legendary. So, naturally everyone assumed he would afford Ramsey the same opportunity. Nope. Second, he cited his impatience with turnovers for the quick hook of Ramsey. Last year, Brunell threw nine interceptions and fumbled five times (losing three) in nine games. Yet, Brunell continued to start for the Redskins. Good grief, the Jets' Chad Pennington fumbled six times yesterday but you don't see Herman Edwards giving Chad the hook. C'mon coach Joe, just tell us the truth.

So, now what? Brunell's the starter until he gets hurt, or the Skins are out of playoff contention and they put the kid, Jason Campbell, in. Ramsey, in my opinion, is done as a Redskin. If he hasn't already, he'll probably demand a trade and I don't blame him one bit. I think he has some talent, but this is the wrong coaching staff to bring it out of him because he wasn't their guy to begin with and as much smoke as they've tried to blow up our tailpipes, I think it's been clear to all Redskin fans that Ramsey never fit into Gibbs' plans. It became even more apparent when Gibbs drafted Campbell. I doubt Ramsey will be a Redskins at the end of the season.

Gibbs has tarnished his reputation as a great coach, but that doesn't mean his accomplishments during his first coaching are any less impressive. He still won three Super Bowls and that can never be taken away, but his "untouchable" status, for all intents and purpose, is null and void.

Good luck, Patrick. Redskin fans for the most part think you deserved a fair shot and you'll never get that here. Hope you catch on somewhere else (other than an NFC East team) and have a chance someday to make all Redskin fans, and Coach Joe, ask ourselves, "Why did we get rid of that kid Ramsey? He's pretty good!"