Campbell Learning Offense

When Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn took the helm this off-season, he was quick to install a new offensive philosophy, bringing a traditional West Coast offense to the nation's capital.  The West Coast system, which relies on short, quick passes to supplement the running game, is based on timing and precision.  It often requires two or even three seasons to fully master.  Yet quarterback Jason Campbell is trying to do what he can to speed through the learning process, and it's proving to be a challenge.

Time is of the essence in a West Coast scheme.  Everything must be performed as quickly as possible.  Bill Walsh and Joe Montana orchestrated the offense to perfection with the San Francisco 49ers in the 1980s, leading to one of the great NFL dynasties.  Zorn is hoping the Redskins can have similar success in following the same blueprint.  However, it will all depend on Campbell's ability to learn and execute the offense.

Superb quarterback play is essential to the West Coast system.  It's up to the QB to read the defense at the line of scrimmage and recognize the potential weaknesses in coverage.  After the snap, each step of his drop from center coincides with reading a particular pass route.  It's vital for the quarterback to progress through all his reads in their proper order and then make the right decision, getting rid of the ball as quickly as possible.  Even a moment's hesitation can prove disastrous.  Campbell will certainly have his work cut out for him.