Ramsey receives seven-game audition

Redskins quarterback may be facing last chance to earn job

? The fans’ constant chants for Patrick Ramsey were a source of locker-room humor among the Washington Redskins during the last few weeks, including one running gag involving Ramsey’s wife.

“We’ve been teasing him,” tackle Jon Jansen said. “We kept telling him that Ginny was standing there with a sign: ‘Put Patrick In.'”

The truth is Ramsey was more embarrassed than encouraged by the fuss. When he finally was chosen the starting quarterback this week, he offered a tactful admonition to those who orchestrated the calls of “Ram-sey!” when they weren’t booing Mark Brunell.

“I think we have great fans and they desire for us to be successful,” Ramsey said. “I think if they realized how much of a detriment it is to our team, I don’t think they would do it, if they really understood the morale that it kind of set for our offense. I think Mark handled it admirably. I’m going to try to battle through everything, but subconsciously, I think it would affect me.”

So goes Washington’s velvet quarterback revolution. The rest of the football world sees a coach making a long overdue move to try to revive an awful offense, while the principals involved see it as an awkward exchange of roles between nice-guy hunting buddies.

“If they didn’t like each other, it would be easier for them,” Jansen said. “But when there’s a professional relationship and a personal relationship, it’s hard for both of them.”

Touchy-feely stories aside, coach Joe Gibbs’ switch has serious implications. The Redskins are 3-6 with the toughest part of their schedule to come. It’s time to start thinking about next year, and these last seven games probably are Ramsey’s last chance to earn Gibbs’ trust.

“I really feel like it’s more of an audition to help lead this football team, more so than anything for my future,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey has had a tough year. He was undermined by Gibbs’ decision to trade for Brunell and had his agent ask for a trade.

Redskins quarterback Patrick Ramsey drops back to pass against Cincinnati. Ramsey, shown Sunday in Landover, Md., has been named Washington's new starting quarterback, taking over for Mark Brunell.

The request was rescinded when Gibbs promised Ramsey a fair shot at the starting job at training camp, but Ramsey failed to take advantage with poor performances in the exhibition games. He had no one to blame but himself.

“I didn’t play well enough in the preseason to warrant a start — or that much playing time early,” Ramsey said. “I was very disappointed with the way I played in the preseason. It was tough, but at the same time I knew I deserved not to be in the game.”

Ramsey’s struggles stemmed in part from his 16 starts in two seasons under coach Steve Spurrier, who demanded from his quarterback a philosophy and mechanics unique in the NFL.