SI: MMQB: Jason Campbell tidbits

[bubba9497]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/04/05/trade/4.html

Click link for entire article

How Cutler-Orton trade went down

At about 2:30 p.m. Denver time Thursday, the Broncos gave the Chicago Bears the final terms of what they'd accept in trade for disgruntled quarterback Jay Cutler: first- and second-round picks this year, a first-round pick in 2010 and quarterback Kyle Orton.

Whoa! Too steep, thought Chicago GM Jerry Angelo, and he asked for a little time to mull it over and talk about it with his people. The Broncos told Angelo: "You've got a half-hour.''

A few things went though Angelo's mind, including the last time he was part of a staff that traded two No. 1s for a player. "We did Keyshawn Johnson for two ones in Tampa Bay, and we really got burned by it,'' he told me Friday night. "But this is a quarterback. Maybe a really good quarterback.''

We really want this guy, Angelo told those on his staff, but the compensation is too much. So he called the Broncos back and offered two ones, Orton and this year's fourth-round pick. Denver GM Brian Xanders and coach Josh McDaniels mulled it over and came back with this compromise: two first-round picks, Orton, and this year's third-round pick for Cutler and Denver's fifth-round pick this year.

Done, Angelo said. Fair deal.

"It was high-stakes poker,'' Angelo said when it was over. "And I couldn't see anyone else's hand.''

In the end, Chicago got a potentially great long-term quarterback (when's the last time, if ever, a 4,000-yard passer got traded at age 25?) and Angelo rebuilt his battered, way-too-conservative GM image. Denver got a better deal than the Broncos had a right to expect after their dissed owner ordered Cutler dealt, losing whatever leverage the team had. And Cutler proved he should write the foreword to Drew Rosenhaus' next book -- the one about how a superstar can shoot himself out of town. Cutler got exactly what he wanted, though talking oneself off the best young offense in football is not my idea of a good career decision by a franchise quarterback.

Aside from the late haggling between the Bears and Broncos over the price, I do know some facts that haven't been out there -- I don't think -- yet. The five things I know for sure, from talking to those in the middle of the Cutler trade discussions in the three days since the deal went down:

1. The key to the trade was Kyle Orton. Laugh if you want, but it's the absolute truth. McDaniels looked hard at tape of the available quarterbacks from teams that made serious offers, players like Orton, Washington's Jason Campbell and Tampa Bay's Luke McCown. Every one of those teams was in the ballpark with an offer of at least two first round draft picks and a quarterback.

But as the deal went down, McDaniels, who watched every offensive snap of more than 10 Bears games with Orton playing, got more and more impressed with Orton's arm, his decision-making and his ability to extend plays when the pocket broke down. You can think and I can think it's crazy he didn't like Campbell -- who got Washington off to a 6-2 start last year -- more than he liked Orton, but it's the unvarnished truth. McDaniels thinks he can win with Orton.

2. The Bears were sure the deal was collapsing Thursday afternoon, because the Broncos weren't answering phone calls, e-mails or texts. GM Jerry Angelo thought he'd gotten the rug pulled out from underneath him. Angelo hadn't heard from the Broncos for about three hours, and got so nervous by mid-afternoon Chicago time that he sent McDaniels a text message that said, in effect, "We gotta get this done. What's it gonna take for the Bears to win this?''

But the Broncos weren't ignoring Angelo, and they weren't working another team for a better deal. McDaniels told Xanders and the rest of the football people in the building that they weren't stopping business following owner Pat Bowlen's declaration that there was an open market for Cutler. Workouts would continue with McDaniels around; coaches meetings would go on as normal.

And the Broncos had eight players in the building between Tuesday and Friday -- including first-round prospects Brian Orakpo (defensive end, Texas), Knowshon Moreno (running back, Georgia) and Tyson Jackson (defensive end, LSU). McDaniels met with two of the prospects during the middle of the talks for Cutler Thursday, and he ignored the bleating on his cell phone while those meetings were going on.

Now Angelo can know for sure -- the Broncos were going to make the deal with him unless his final offer was a fraction of those from Washington and Tampa Bay.

3. The Jets were never in it seriously -- true story. New York is either convinced that Brett Ratliff or Kellen Clemens is its guy, or the Jets think the New York spotlight would have been too white-hot for a rabbit-ears guy like Cutler to handle, or they didn't want to pay two first-round picks for Cutler after giving a third for one season of Brett Favre. I just know that the Jets never made a remotely serious offer for Cutler, much to my surprise.

4. All you Redskins fans who are so sure youwerethisclose to getting Cutler? Total BS. Yes, Washington was competitive, and the 'Skins would have done whatever it took to get Cutler. But once McDaniels decided Orton was his man -- even though Washington's first-round pick would have been the 13th overall, five slots ahead of Chicago's -- the contest was over. The 'Skins were out of it, even though Cutler and greater Washington were sure it almost happened.

5. In the end, this trade happened so quickly because, first and foremost, the owner of the Broncos felt dissed. And you do not diss Pat Bowlen. Bowlen is 65. He has owned the team for 25 years. In Bowlen's world, there is a protocol to doing business, and part of that protocol is the players and coaches having respect for the owner, regardless of their personal feelings about anyone else in the organization. Imagine Tom Brady ignoring calls from Bob Kraft. It'd never happen. Imagine Dan Rooney getting snubbed by Ben Roethlisberger, or Peyton Manning ditching Jim Irsay. Never in a million years, regardless of how they felt about what was happening with the team.

Quote of the Week II

"I still went and worked out. My teammates said, 'Jason, why are you here?' And I told them: 'I'm still the quarterback of this team until they get rid of me. You haven't seen the best of me. I'm not here for ownership. I won't miss days working out with you, and I won't miss time preparing for the season. Who knows? A trade may not work out.' ''

-- The eminently loyal quarterback of the Redskins, Jason Campbell, to Michael Wilbon of the Washington Post, after the Redskins tried and failed to get Cutler to supplant Campbell at quarterback.

[McD5]

In the end, Chicago got a potentially great long-term quarterback (when's the last time, if ever, a 4,000-yard passer got traded at age 25?)

That is the part that hurts.

What a rare opportunity. Oh well, just have to hope for the best.

[bubba9497]

In the end, Chicago got a potentially great long-term quarterback (when's the last time, if ever, a 4,000-yard passer got traded at age 25?)

That is the part that hurts.

What a rare opportunity. Oh well, just have to hope for the best.

or Chicago gave up a King's ransom for possibly the next Jeff George

That is the part that could wind up being a blessing in disguise, it was the Bears over paying, not the Skins

[B&GBlood]

But once McDaniels decided Orton was his man -- even though Washington's first-round pick would have been the 13th overall, five slots ahead of Chicago's -- the contest was over. The 'Skins were out of it, even though Cutler and greater Washington were sure it almost happened.

Well two first rounders and Jason Campbell are far too great for Cutler anyway. McDaniels is now on my Christmas card list.

[McD5]

or Chicago gave up a kings ransom for possibly the Jeff George

That is the part that could wind up being a blessing in disguise

That is what we have to hope for.

And for the rest of the article, hopefully this squashes the last of the 1% of posters who still claim that we didn't offer up JC in trade, or that we weren't interested.

To that 1%, seriously people, get out of the twilight zone, and into reality.

[six4g]

I think Josh McDanials is a bit too in love with his own press clippings. Orton might be a very god QB some day, but heck it took him almost 2 years to beat out Rex in Chi-town. I kinda get the infatuation with trying to get Cassel to Denver, but once that failed he should've been doing whatever to mend fences with Cutler. You just don't get rid of that kinda QB chasing a dream; that's something only Dan Snyder does.

[B&GBlood]

If we'd open up the offense and let Campbell throw it 100 more times like Cutler did in Denver, with 20 fewer sacks....I think Campbell could have 4000+ yards.

[terpskins10]

or Chicago gave up a King's ransom for possibly the next Jeff George

That is the part that could wind up being a blessing in disguise, it was the Bears over paying, not the Skins

Exactly. I really wasn't all THAT impressed by what I saw of Cutler. I just think he's got a cannon arm that can get the ball down the field to Royal and anywhere in the vicinity of Brandon Marshall.

[88Comrade2000]

**** yards. We don't need yards. We need points. The offense needs to average 25-30 points a game.

[SkinsGuy]

I can understand McDaniels having doubts about Campbell being his starting QB.

I have my doubts about Campbell as well as the starting QB for the Redskins.

But to be so sold on Orton? I don't get that.

[MonkFan8]

That JC quote at the end should be in size 200 font and bolded. Nice.

[myzhi]

Josh McDaniels coached Tom Brady and Matt Cassell. I would assume that he saw that Orton possessing more similar skills than the other QB being offered.

JC is pretty much the opposite Tom Brady and Matt Cassell.

[taylorcoreskin]

1. The key to the trade was Kyle Orton. Laugh if you want, but it's the absolute truth. McDaniels looked hard at tape of the available quarterbacks from teams that made serious offers, players like Orton, Washington's Jason Campbell and Tampa Bay's Luke McCown. Every one of those teams was in the ballpark with an offer of at least two first round draft picks and a quarterback.

But as the deal went down, McDaniels, who watched every offensive snap of more than 10 Bears games with Orton playing, got more and more impressed with Orton's arm, his decision-making and his ability to extend plays when the pocket broke down. You can think and I can think it's crazy he didn't like Campbell -- who got Washington off to a 6-2 start last year -- more than he liked Orton, but it's the unvarnished truth. McDaniels thinks he can win with Orton.

I totally agree with McDaniels. I think Orton is a more impressive QB than JC, and I think the broncos were right in deciding to take Orton and two first round picks rather than JC and two first round picks.

[taylorcoreskin]

Josh McDaniels coached Tom Brady and Matt Cassell. I would assume that he saw that Orton possessing more similar skills than the other QB being offered.

JC is pretty much the opposite Tom Brady and Matt Cassell.

That's true. And just look at the way Orton plays and the way Campbell plays. Orton IS more similar to Brady than Campbell.

[Soup]

In the end, Chicago got a potentially great long-term quarterback (when's the last time, if ever, a 4,000-yard passer got traded at age 25?)

That is the part that hurts.

What a rare opportunity. Oh well, just have to hope for the best.

I agree with you completely, many people will say that Cutler will fail but it is a rare event to see a probowl QB on the trading block. Cutler will not play well for the first season but once he gets comfortable with the bears he'll go back to putting up 3,500-4000 yards and 25+ Td seasons.

But, I don't think Cutler would have worked out with the skins just because Snyder can't stay with the same coach or system for longer than two seasons.

The smart move even though people hate it (I'm in that boat) is letting campbell start and see if having two years in the same offense will work for him. If that doesn't work allow Colt to get some games under center before changing anything.

I still would have liked to see what Cutler could have done with the skins just out of curiosity but its better to stick with campbell and colt knowing at least they will not completely tank the redskin's season. If they stay with campbell I'm expecting an 8-8 season again. Besides there is nothing the skins can do but stay with campbell for this season at least.

[taylorcoreskin]

I don't think people on this board realize how much improvement Orton showed last year. He's not the same QB we played in 05 by any stretch.

[ChillSkinzFan84]

Im happy and feel it was a blessing that we didnt get Cutler. The guy is overated, and is a turnover machine. He averages atleast 1 interception per start for his career. The guy makes dumb decisions and tries to force the ball. Yes he has a rocket arm but so does Jason Campbell. Campbell is also more of a leader and calmer in my opinion. Why would anyone want a qb that acts like Cutler? He walked out on his team and is unprofessional and overrated...thats a bad combination.

[Oldskool]

Sad to say, but I'm starting to agree with McDaniels and his view of Jason Campbell.

[Spear]

Josh McDaniels coached Tom Brady and Matt Cassell. I would assume that he saw that Orton possessing more similar skills than the other QB being offered.

JC is pretty much the opposite Tom Brady and Matt Cassell.

So, what you're saying is that Campbell is the Anti-Brady. Puts things into perspective, doesn't it?

I wonder if they ever shook hands, would they annihilate each other? Maybe we should look into making that happen. It would keep Jason from digging that hole of mediocrity any deeper and it would stick it to Tom for running up the score on us. Two birds, one stone.

[chosen]

So, what you're saying is that Campbell is the Anti-Brady. Puts things into perspective, doesn't it?

I wonder if they ever shook hands, would they annihilate each other? Maybe we should look into making that happen. It would keep Jason from digging that hole of mediocrity any deeper and it would stick it to Tom for running up the score on us. Two birds, one stone.

wow, a true LOL. funny, but totally twisted. +1

[bubba9497]

You can think and I can think it's crazy he didn't like Campbell -- who got Washington off to a 6-2 start last year -- more than he liked Orton

seems like people are missing this quote

before someone points out King isn't a coach, He has been around the Sport as long as McDaniels has been alive....and has talked with others like coaches and gms to help base his opinion of Campbell, and QB's in general.

Besides he may have come from NE, but he didn't pick the talent.... and his handling of this Cutler saga, proves he's no Belichick, or Pioli

[TSO]

seems like people are missing this quote

before someone points out King isn't a coach, He has been around the Sport as long as McDaniels has been alive....and has talked with others like coaches and gms to help base his opinion of Campbell, and QB's in general.

Besides he may have come from NE, but he didn't pick the talent.... and his handling of this Cutler saga, proves he's no Belichick, or Pioli

:hysterical: I thought you were quoting yourself there and responding...

But yeah, McDaniels liked Orton more than Campbell. Good for him, and we should all hope he's wrong. More importantly, we shouldn't think that because he thinks so than it's automatically truth. Bill Parcells thought Cooley would never make it in the NFL.

[DieselPwr44]

before someone points out King isn't a coach, He has been around the Sport as long as McDaniels has been alive....and has talked with others like coaches and gms to help base his opinion of Campbell, and QB's in general

So on this board,Peter King is a loon and doesn't know what he's talking about football wise and all things Skins related 364 days out of 365 but on this day, he knows his stuff??

Some of you people are incredible......

[A Skinhead in Saints Land]

I could see why he liked Orton more than Campbell. Orton improved immensely this past season, he has a career winning record, and you can argue that Orton has accomplished this with probably one of the worst receiving corps in the league.

[hail2skins]

1. The key to the trade was Kyle Orton. Laugh if you want, but it's the absolute truth. McDaniels looked hard at tape of the available quarterbacks from teams that made serious offers, players like Orton, Washington's Jason Campbell and Tampa Bay's Luke McCown. Every one of those teams was in the ballpark with an offer of at least two first round draft picks and a quarterback.

But I thought some on here have been telling us the Skins weren't really that much in the mix......