He didn't lead the Redskins to victory. He didn't even produce a touchdown. But Redskin quarterback Patrick Ramsey's first start in nearly a year was still a mild success in light of the pathetic production Washington had received from predecessor Mark Brunell. Although the final score was 28-6, Ramsey did have the 10½-point underdog Redskins within 14-6 of the Eagles with a first down at the Philadelphia 10 and 13:49 remaining in the fourth quarter. But three consecutive penaties by the offensive line moveed the ball back to the 30 yard line. Two dropped passes and a missed 48 yard field goal spelled the Redskins fate.
Ramsey didn't hit a deep ball but was accurate on the underneath throws and nimble enough to avoid the Eagles' pass rush. Ramsey's numbers — 21-of-34 for 162 yards, with a late interception that sailed through fullback Rock Cartwright's hands — weren't that impressive, but there were at least six drops. He did give his coaches and teammates encouragement that he's the right man for the job. "Patrick was very solid," Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said. "He had a lot of poise. He handled things real well. It's a tough place to come and play, a tough place to get your first start this year." Had their quarterback put up numbers like that in a few other games, the Redskins probably would be a .500 club right now instead of 3-7 and sinking fast.
When Ramsey was asked to (which wasn't often), he was able to put the ball in some tight spots; he also showed his coach he could make smart decisions and wasn't really the Turnover Machine he appeared to be against the Giants. "Very solid," Gibbs said of Ramsey's performance. "A lot of poise."
The Redskins still rely too much on their defense. The defense attacks, sacks, holds and gets the ball back, but then the offense assumes the fetal position with cautious passes and predictable runs. But at least the right quarterback is on the field now, and things will get better.
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