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Redskins guard Randy Thomas (77) congratulates starting quarterback Jason Campbell
Redskins quarterback |
BY ADAM HIMMELSBACH
Rookie quarterback Colt Brennan dazzled in the Hall of Fame Game on Sunday night.
He completed 9 of 10 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns, leading Washington to a 30-16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
Redskins fans in Canton, Ohio, bubbled with excitement.
Internet message boards began to buzz.
But head coach Jim Zorn stepped back, reviewed the game film and made it clear that Brennan's outing was not as spectacular as it seemed.
"Colt Brennan had a couple of plays that could have gone either way," Zorn said. "Those are the things he can learn from, and he has to become a more disciplined quarterback and not risk as much as he did in the game.
"This week, those risks turned out great for us, but they easily could have turned the other way."
Zorn was referring to Brennan's risky, scattering style that sometimes led to passes being thrown up for grabs.
But on Sunday, those toss-ups landed in the hands of Washington's receivers, so Zorn was relatively pleased.
Brennan, meanwhile, was just pleased to be in a game rather than another day of two-a-day practices in 90-degree heat.
"I just think when the lights come on, it brings out a different side in everyone," Brennan said. "I have a tendency to be, not so much any less effective in practice, but I have a tendency to be much more amped up for a game, and kind of rise up and do a lot more."
Brennan was one of several Redskins quarterbacks to have a successful night.
Washington's signal-callers combined to go 19-for-22 for 216 yards and three touchdowns.
It was all started by Jason Campbell, who completed all five of his pass attempts, one of which was a 20-yard touchdown strike to Antwaan Randle El.
"The one thing you want to look at tonight, even thought it was a preseason game, is how detailed we were as a team," Campbell said. "See how much we've leaned the first two weeks of training camp."
REDSKINS RELEASE SCHWEIGERT
The Redskins yesterday released veteran free safety Stuart Schweigert, who had figured to compete for a starting role.
Schweigert signed with Washington on June 2. He had spent the previous four seasons with the Oakland Raiders, starting 42 games.
Schweigert's release solidifies Reed Doughty's spot as the team's starting strong safety, with LaRon Landry expected to move to free safety this season.
Also yesterday, the Redskins signed safety Patrick Ghee and fullback Pete Schmitt.
Ghee, whose parents are Spotsylvania High School graduates, was signed by Washington on May 6, but he was then released on June 12.
Schmitt had been released by the Redskins on July 18.
To make room for Schmitt, Washington released linebacker Danny Verdun-Wheeler.
KELLY UNDERGOES
Rookie wide receiver Malcolm Kelly had minor surgery on his left knee yesterday and is expected to be out for about two weeks.
Zorn said yesterday that the knee sprain suffered on Sunday by backup tackle Stephon Heyer is not serious. He said backup tackle Todd Wade had a minor ankle sprain.
Adam Himmelsbach: 540/374-5442
Email: ahimmelsbach@freelancestar.com
