There is no doubt some Redskins fans had a weird obsession with QB Colt Brennan. Yes, he had a helluva career at Hawaii. Yes, he played well in pre-season 2008. But, he also did well against 3rd and 4th teamers, the same 3rd and 4th teamers he appears to be struggling with this pre-season.
Not to diss on Todd Collins, but there is a reason why Brennan is battling for the 3rd spot and not the 2nd spot. Brennan has been far less impressive and actually has put his once secure third QB slot in jeopardy. Suddenly the very vocal, but small Cult of Colt fan base has been silenced. Here are Colt’s pre-season stats through two games.
Attempts: 17
Completions: 7
Percentage: 41.2%
Yards: 85
TDs: 0
Interceptions: 2
One of those interceptions was not Brennan’s fault, given the receiver, Marques Hagans, fell down on the play. But, Brennan has also been unable to connect for a TD pass. His completion percentage, against those 3rd and 4th teams he ripped up last season, is barely over 40%.
Another heralded, but fundamentally awkward QB Chase Daniel, who the Redskins signed as an undrafted free agent out of Missouri, played in his first pre-season game on Saturday. The Redskins are thankful he did, because the they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers behind the arm of Daniel. Daniel three 8 passes completing 6 of them, two for TD strikes, one to TE Fred Davis and one to WR Marko Mitchell. Daniel’s performance was excellent, showing a quality understanding of the offense and effectively moving the ball and making plays. Something Colt Brennan has failed to do so far in 2009.
Daniel came out of the NFL Draft undrafted despite putting up huge
numbers at Missouri. His senior year, Daniel threw 4335 yards
completing 73% of his passes. He also tossed 39 touchdowns. His
awkward side arm slinging style likely hurt his NFL value, causing him
to go undrafted.
With Zorn plucking Daniel into the line up
on Saturday, Daniel seized an opportunity to show he was not just
hanging around to the first or second round of roster reductions.
Instead, combined with his effective play and Brennan’s on field
failures, it really isn’t difficult to understand why HC Jom Zorn suddenly declared the third quarterback spot wide open.
Zorn said that puts Daniel “right in the mix” with second-year pro Colt Brennan for Washington’s No. 3 quarterback spot.
“Whatever they say, I’m just going to go out
there and try to work as hard as I can,” said Daniel, who hit six of
eight passes for 58 yards and added a 22-yard scramble in three series.For Daniel, it was a start.
“It’s just good to go out there and get on the (game) film,” he said.
Many
Redskins fans felt one of the premier battle of the off-season would be
between Colt Brennan and veteran Todd Collins for the backup QB slot.
That completion never materialized and now Brennan finds himself in the
midst of a battle just to maintain a roster spot. The next two
pre-season games will be absolutely critical for both these young QBs.
That is something that Redskins fans can enjoy.
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