Give Ramsey another shot

The Washington Redskins’ off-season has arrived and with it comes an all-too-familiar storyline: The possibility of a quarterback controversy in D.C.

Mark Brunell was effective throughout most of the season, managing the offense efficiently and displaying excellent leadership. However, as with last season, he demonstrated an inability to pass accurately when playing through injuries.

Hampered by a hamstring injury throughout the 2004 season, Brunell frequently missed his receivers and produced a quarterback rating of 63.9, the worst of his career.

After sustaining an injury to his right knee in Week 16 against the New York Giants, Brunell struggled over the next two weeks against the Eagles and the Buccaneers. Over that span he looked like the 2004 Brunell, hitting 40 percent of his targets (16 for 40) while throwing for only 182 yards with two interceptions and one touchdown.

With Brunell turning 36 in September, he will be even less able to bounce back from injuries. If he continues to have problems with his old legs, he has potential to falter in making the necessary throws.

So what are the Redskins to do?

Rather than trade disgruntled Patrick Ramsey, I would let him stay and finish out the remainder of his rookie contract. He played effectively when he was called on to either finish out games or step in for Brunell when he was hurt.

Holding an open quarterback competition for all three quarterbacks, including Jason Campbell (2005 first-round pick) would give Ramsey what he wants, a shot at the starting position. Where Brunell is too old and Campbell too young, Ramsey is the right age to come into his own as a starting quarterback. Plus he has the benefit of two full years of Gibbs’ offense under his belt to hopefully be able to manage a smart passing attack.