Jason Campbell Gives Bears Insurance
By: Scott Leber
Updated: August 21, 2012
Bourbonnais, Illinois-Veteran Jason Campbell will give the Bears insurance behind Jay Cutler this year unlike last season when the Bears were forced to turn to Caleb Hanie down the stretch.
Hanie struggled badly. Campbell solidifies the position. Campbell has been a starter throughout his career with the Redskins and the Raiders. Coming into this season as a backup is an adjustment.
"It's different from a mentality standpoint as far as knowing you're not going to get as many reps as you're used to getting as a starter, but I think it's a good challenge though," said Campbell. "It's a challenge for me that when it do get reps I make the most of them. At the same time once the season starts I know a lot of my things are going to come from the classroom."
Campbell's arm strength is one skill that he brings to the Bears. "I have a pretty big arm. I throw the deep ball. It's not just about how far you can throw it though. I'm focused on trying to make precise decisions and just move the ball."
Campbell says this preseason is critical for him to not only learn the offense, but to also develop some chemistry with the receivers. "It's very important to come out and find a comfort level with the guys you're out there with and continue to improve," said Campbell.
Campbell is impressed with the Bears receivers. "I think we have a really good group. Guys get along together. They have a great sense about what they're doing. These guys do an outstanding job of taking it from the classroom and straight to the field."
So while the Bears hope that Cutler can stay healthy this season, Campbell will stay ready if he's needed. "You've always got to stay ready. You're always one play away. I've known that just from being in the NFL awhile now. It's just understanding you have to go out there every day and dedicate yourself as if you are the starter."
Hanie struggled badly. Campbell solidifies the position. Campbell has been a starter throughout his career with the Redskins and the Raiders. Coming into this season as a backup is an adjustment.
"It's different from a mentality standpoint as far as knowing you're not going to get as many reps as you're used to getting as a starter, but I think it's a good challenge though," said Campbell. "It's a challenge for me that when it do get reps I make the most of them. At the same time once the season starts I know a lot of my things are going to come from the classroom."
Campbell's arm strength is one skill that he brings to the Bears. "I have a pretty big arm. I throw the deep ball. It's not just about how far you can throw it though. I'm focused on trying to make precise decisions and just move the ball."
Campbell says this preseason is critical for him to not only learn the offense, but to also develop some chemistry with the receivers. "It's very important to come out and find a comfort level with the guys you're out there with and continue to improve," said Campbell.
Campbell is impressed with the Bears receivers. "I think we have a really good group. Guys get along together. They have a great sense about what they're doing. These guys do an outstanding job of taking it from the classroom and straight to the field."
So while the Bears hope that Cutler can stay healthy this season, Campbell will stay ready if he's needed. "You've always got to stay ready. You're always one play away. I've known that just from being in the NFL awhile now. It's just understanding you have to go out there every day and dedicate yourself as if you are the starter."
