For Redskins' quarterback, It's all in the release

By Jason Reid

After hearing disturbing rumors earlier in the offseason about his status with the Washington Redskins, quarterback Jason Campbell figured it was time to speak with new coach Jim Zorn.

There were rumblings that Zorn was not committed to Campbell as the starter next season. Campbell wanted to know where he stood.

Campbell came back from vacation in February and met with Zorn at Redskins Park, hoping for some answers. Campbell said Zorn did much more than he expected.

"He told me it wasn't true. He told me this is my team," Campbell said. "He made it clear that I'm the quarterback the Redskins are going to grow with. He told me that I'm still developing as a young quarterback, but that he thinks I have it all.... I have what it takes to take us to where we want to go. That was a confidence-builder."

Fully recovered from the dislocated left kneecap that cut short his 2007 season, Campbell is assuming a leadership role in the voluntary offseason workout program that began March 17. He has focused on refining his passing mechanics under the guidance of Zorn and new offensive assistant Chris Meidt while also working with the receiving corps and studying videotape of himself daily. Campbell has set the tone for his teammates, players said, displaying his work ethic and professionalism amid change for the Redskins.

In less than two weeks, Washington will begin its first minicamp in five years without former coach Joe Gibbs and start the transition to Zorn's version of the West Coast offense. Campbell said he's optimistic about what's ahead for the Redskins and committed to Zorn's new way of doing things.

"Whatever (Zorn) needs me to do, whatever he needs from me, I'm ready," Campbell said. "I know he knows what he's doing; you can tell he's so smart about what he does. It's early; we're really just getting started with everything, but I feel good about what we're doing."

Since workouts began, most of Campbell's time on the practice field has centered on footwork and positioning his body correctly while passing in the quick-paced scheme Zorn will unveil during minicamp, which begins May 2.

The pass-oriented offense of former play-caller Al Saunders, now with the St. Louis Rams, was predicated on timing and rhythm. Quarterbacks threw to spots before receivers completed their routes. Receivers, in theory, were supposed to make big gains after catching balls in stride.

Timing is a component of Zorn's offense as well, but "everything we do in it is a quicker reaction," Campbell said. "It's done at a different speed, there's no wasted movement because it is a West Coast offense. That's what you have to be ready for."

In preparing Campbell and backup Todd Collins for his offense, Zorn has instructed them in drills designed to improve their footwork and placement of the ball before beginning their throwing motion. Zorn was the Seattle Seahawks' quarterbacks coach before joining the Redskins; his reputation as a good teacher is well deserved, Campbell said.

"The thing I love about him is that he talks a lot," he said. "He was a quarterback, so with him having played the position before, he'll take the ball himself and be like, 'OK, let's try it this way.' He'll demonstrate it for you, so it's not just like you're hearing it. "

When minicamp begins, Campbell will be in his eighth offensive system in nine seasons. Campbell has not complained about having to learn another new offense, his teammates said, and his positive approach to Zorn's plan has inspired others.

"He's confident," fullback Mike Sellers said. "He's exuding that, so it's rubbing off on all of us and making us feel better. "