2010 Captains

[Hitman21ST]

Well, we're in an interesting situation. It's not often that you lose four captains in one year. But with Rock, Samuels, Griffin, and Campbell all going the way of the dodo bird, we have three of our captain spots open. Who do you think will be our captains next year?

I have a feeling that it will look something like this:

Offense: McNabb and Cooley
Defense: Fletcher and Orakpo
Special Teams: Blades and Doughty

[jfr3ek]

there's only one Captain and that's Shanahan. He's Chief.

[MGutta]

I think a captain is supposed to assume a leadership position--something I don't believe Orakpo is ready to do in his Sophomore campaign.

I'll be the first one to tell you that he's the best football player on the Washington Redskins, without a doubt... I just feel someone like DeAngelo Hall, who is very vocal and passionate would be better suited as a captain.

The rest look good... maybe on offense Portis, just to give him a level of responsibility, but that could end bad. Yeah... the rest is good.

[terrifNick21]

I think a captain is supposed to assume a leadership position--something I don't believe Orakpo is ready to do in his Sophomore campaign.

I'll be the first one to tell you that he's the best football player on the Washington Redskins, without a doubt... I just feel someone like DeAngelo Hall, who is very vocal and passionate would be better suited as a captain.

The rest look good... maybe on offense Portis, just to give him a level of responsibility, but that could end bad. Yeah... the rest is good.


I disagree about Orakpo not being ready. I remember after a loss last year he got pissed and yelled something like, "I'm sick of this ****!" or something to that effect. To me, that showed he's willing to take the role of a leader, 2nd year or 13th year.

And just because you talk doesn't make you a captain.

[MGutta]

I disagree about Orakpo not being ready. I remember after a loss last year he got pissed and yelled something like, "I'm sick of this ****!" or something to that effect. To me, that showed he's willing to take the role of a leader, 2nd year or 13th year.

And just because you talk doesn't make you a captain.

Neither does cursing... by that logic, we should've brought Richie Incognito aboard to be our captain.

[terrifNick21]

Neither does cursing... by that logic, we should've brought Richie Incognito aboard to be our captain.

No, cursing doesn't. But he had the balls to step up and tell the team that how they were playing wasn't good enough. That's rare to hear that from a rookie when you have the vets the Skins did.

[skinsdude]

I think a captain is supposed to assume a leadership position--something I don't believe Orakpo is ready to do in his Sophomore campaign.

I'll be the first one to tell you that he's the best football player on the Washington Redskins, without a doubt... I just feel someone like DeAngelo Hall, who is very vocal and passionate would be better suited as a captain.

The rest look good... maybe on offense Portis, just to give him a level of responsibility, but that could end bad. Yeah... the rest is good.

I agree with your assessment of Orakpo. While he had a great 2009 season it may be a bit early for a leadership role. London Fletcher is a given. The other may go to one of the veteran defensive linemen like Carter or Daniels.

Offense will definitely include McNabb. Cooley is a good choice but I like Dockery As well.

I also think that Sellers should be included on special teams, however some of these guys may not be on the team in September. :)

[MGutta]

No, cursing doesn't. But he had the balls to step up and tell the team that how they were playing wasn't good enough. That's rare to hear that from a rookie when you have the vets the Skins did.

Well where do you draw the line? The same could be said about Portis (who I also mentioned) on offense, could it not? Rak may be a leader in the making, but I just don't think the seniority is there yet... I mean, when you're 30 and have been playing the game for 7 or 8 years in the league, are you really going to want to listen to a (relative) kid?

I just think Hall is more of that guy who would rally his teammates... as I said before, he is vocal and he is passionate about what he does. He's a seasoned veteran and he's seen it all.

[dfbovey]

Hall doesn't seem like leadership material to me. I think even someone like Doughty would make more sense than Hall. Just because someone's jaws are always flappin doesn't make them a good leader.

[MGutta]

Hall doesn't seem like leadership material to me. I think even someone like Doughty would make more sense than Hall. Just because someone's jaws are always flappin doesn't make them a good leader.

I like Doughty, he's a real class act... my only objection to him would be his lack of playing time.

I really wish Haynesworth would shutup--he'd make it a lot easier to pick him

[dahibachi]

it'll actually be interesting to see what Shanahan's philosiphy is on team captains. Some teams do the two offense, two defense, two special teams. Some have only one each. Some have 3 offense or defense, then 2 on the other side then 1 special teams. Some appoint a different captain weekly.

[acuratl1984]

Off Capt: McNabb - Cooley
Def Capt: Fletcher - Daniels or Carter (Not Orakpo... not yet imo)
Spec Capt: Lorenzo Alexander - Doughty

[gortiz]

there's only one Captain and that's Shanahan. He's Chief.

:ols:

iron fist, meet the redskins. redskins, meet the iron fist.

[stoney26]

I like Doughty, he's a real class act... my only objection to him would be his lack of playing time.

I really wish Haynesworth would shutup--he'd make it a lot easier to pick him

What has haynesworth said besides he is willing to do whatever the coaches ask him to do? Minus voluntary workouts.

[MGutta]

What has haynesworth said besides he is willing to do whatever the coaches ask him to do? Minus voluntary workouts.

Well had we turned him loose last year, he would've done a lot more on the stat sheets, but what he did do was he made our defense better as a whole. As good as Rak and Carter are, they wouldn't have had half the sacks they did with Griffin up front.

Plus, if you recall, he came to DHalls side in those two fights last year. He said something like "I saw my teammate in trouble, and I wasn't going to let anything happen to him".

THAT is leadership...

But given his cancerous personality of late, I don't see him as a viable option... hence my suggestion that he should shut up

[terrifNick21]

Well where do you draw the line? The same could be said about Portis (who I also mentioned) on offense, could it not? Rak may be a leader in the making, but I just don't think the seniority is there yet... I mean, when you're 30 and have been playing the game for 7 or 8 years in the league, are you really going to want to listen to a (relative) kid?

I just think Hall is more of that guy who would rally his teammates... as I said before, he is vocal and he is passionate about what he does. He's a seasoned veteran and he's seen it all.

What does seniority matter? Orakpo shows up to work, doesn't run his mouth, plays his heart out, and we've all seen the results. I don't care how many years you've been in the league. If you do your job, you have the right to make sure others get on theirs as well if their slacking. Do you really think that Jason Belser had a problem with Peyton Manning being the leader/captain in his (Peyton's) rookie year despite Jason having 6 more years experience? I don't think so.

[MGutta]

What does seniority matter? Orakpo shows up to work, doesn't run his mouth, plays his heart out, and we've all seen the results. I don't care how many years you've been in the league. If you do your job, you have the right to make sure others get on theirs as well if their slacking. Do you really think that Jason Belser had a problem with Peyton Manning being the leader/captain in his (Peyton's) rookie year despite Jason having 6 more years experience? I don't think so.

I don't think Orakpo is the focal point of the team, either.

Further, how were the Colts before Peyton?

Hint Hint

They were high enough to draft Peyton.

It's not like they had pro-bowlers in place... we, on the other hand, have one of the top 10 defenses in the league, with a star-studded cast. We have other players like that already. Why give it to the rook? Because he lit up the stat sheet? Great reason.

[terrifNick21]

Because he lit up the stat sheet? Great reason.

Tell me why he SHOULDN'T be a captain.



I'll wait.

[Hitman21ST]

I like Doughty, he's a real class act... my only objection to him would be his lack of playing time.

He gets more playing time than Rock did, even after Portis and Betts were injured.

[jflow78]

Since it's a leadership thing, not a "who's popular with the fans" thing:

Offense: McNabb, Rabach
Defense: Fletcher, Daniels or Carter
Special Teams: Doughty, Wilson

I'm not actually sure who plays ST, but that's my guess.


What does seniority matter?

I'm sure you've been in a locker room, seniority matters to the guys in there, not to us fan. If there's a guy that's going out there doing his job just as hard (as Orakpo), and is just as good a leader, but has more experience (like Carter or Daniels), then I'd say they get the vote by players.

[terrifNick21]

I'm sure you've been in a locker room, seniority matters to the guys in there, not to us fan. If there's a guy that's going out there doing his job just as hard (as Orakpo), and is just as good a leader, but has more experience (like Carter or Daniels), thenI'd say they get the vote by players.

That I agree on. But I just don't get the idea of him NOT being a captain just because he's coming into his second year. It's kind of silly to say he shouldn't be considered.

[Hitman21ST]

Offense: McNabb, Rabach


Why Rabach over Cooley?

[kingdaddy]

Orakpo is more than ready to be a captain. He is the franchise on defense. Plus, he'll likely be around much longer than anybody else on the defense so throw the C on his shirt now.
On offense it will be McNabb. However, it would be nice if Moss stepped up and took a leadership role too.

[ScottAH87]

I hope Cooley is a captain, he would be good in that role. I had a nightmare last night that we traded him!

[MGutta]

Tell me why he SHOULDN'T be a captain.



I'll wait.


Since it's a leadership thing, not a "who's popular with the fans" thing:

Offense: McNabb, Rabach
Defense: Fletcher, Daniels or Carter
Special Teams: Doughty, Wilson

I'm not actually sure who plays ST, but that's my guess.



I'm sure you've been in a locker room, seniority matters to the guys in there, not to us fan. If there's a guy that's going out there doing his job just as hard (as Orakpo), and is just as good a leader, but has more experience (like Carter or Daniels), then I'd say they get the vote by players.

This guy summed it up pretty well... As I said, we had a top defensive unit with a star studded cast in place. Just because Orakpo had the most sacks doesn't mean he is the best leader, nor does a fiery outburst. It's a combination of things.

First and foremost, leadership. It's just not something that comes naturally, but something develops over time.

Second, you need the respect of your teammates. Anyone can call themselves a leader and possess all the traits, but if no one cares, then what good is it?

Third, and lastly, you need to posses some sort of other skill on-field. Most of the leaders I think of around the league (Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, Donovan McNabb and Peyton Manning -- to name a few) are game managers. They see the field and possess the ability to literally call plays. Others lead by example; going out and working hard every day (London Fletcher).

What jflow said (as I interpreted) and what I've been trying to say all along is that being a captain is more than being the sack leader. Much more. Do I hate Orakpo? No. I admitted all ready, he is debatably the best Redskins currently, and I see him developing as a leader. I just do not believe it is his time yet.


On offense it will be McNabb. However, it would be nice if Moss stepped up and took a leadership role too.

That would really be awesome. I, too, have my fingers crossed for something like that...


He gets more playing time than Rock did, even after Portis and Betts were injured.

Wasn't Rock special teams though? If not, major brain fart on my part and more proof as to ow dysfunctional we've been :doh:

[Hitman21ST]

Wasn't Rock special teams though? If not, major brain fart on my part and more proof as to ow dysfunctional we've been :doh:

Rock was ST. I was projecting Doughty to be a ST captain, and your drawback was that he didn't play enough. I was just stating that Doughty played both special teams and defense, so playing time shouldn't really come into consideration.

[SkinsCrushCowboys]

I like the idea of McNabb, furthing the leadership thing...throw Cooley in there with him. defense....Rak and London...umm...special teams captain.....kind of like king of the **** heads....

[terrifNick21]

This guy summed it up pretty well... As I said, we had a top defensive unit with a star studded cast in place. Just because Orakpo had the most sacks doesn't mean he is the best leader, nor does a fiery outburst. It's a combination of things.

First and foremost, leadership. It's just not something that comes naturally, but something develops over time.

Second, you need the respect of your teammates. Anyone can call themselves a leader and possess all the traits, but if no one cares, then what good is it?

Third, and lastly, you need to posses some sort of other skill on-field. Most of the leaders I think of around the league (Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, Donovan McNabb and Peyton Manning -- to name a few) are game managers. They see the field and possess the ability to literally call plays. Others lead by example; going out and working hard every day (London Fletcher).

What jflow said (as I interpreted) and what I've been trying to say all along is that being a captain is more than being the sack leader. Much more. Do I hate Orakpo? No. I admitted all ready, he is debatably the best Redskins currently, and I see him developing as a leader. I just do not believe it is his time yet.


Sure, we had a top ranked defense based on yards, but the defense as a whole was terrible. No turnovers. No points scored. We were 4-12, nothing about us was "top.'

And leadership DOES come naturally. I'm a reserved person naturally. I'm not gonna just up and say, "hey ______, let's go!" or what not. That's just not the way I am. It can't really be taught. Sure, some leadership skills can be taught, but I don't believe the leadership a football player possesses can be taught. It's an instinct so to speak.

And as for the "Just because Orakpo had the most sacks doesn't mean he is the best leader, nor does a fiery outburst,' comment, who said that sacks make you a leader? I didn't. However, the ability to speak up amongst players who have been around for many years as most of the Redskins last season have speaks volumes about Orakpo's leadership ability.

And as for your comment about the ability to call plays, that's the QBs and MLBs jobs. They call the plays all the time.


Bottom line, Brian Orakpo CAN be a Captain of this team. Just look at what kingdaddy said. Truth.

[Braxford]

Off Capt: McNabb - Cooley maybe Rabach?
Def Capt: Fletcher - Daniels or Carter
ST Capt: Lorenzo Alexander - Doughty

Would not be upset if Orakpo is named a def captain but I think that should go to Daniels, Orakpo's time as captain will come. Although it would be nice having him representing the "youngsters" of the team.

[Travdaskin]

O Capts. = McNabb & Cooley
D Capts. = Fletcher & Carter
ST Capts. = Alexander & Doughty...

[jflow78]

Why Rabach over Cooley?

Cooley just doesn't strike me as a leader in any way. I'm not saying he's not a hardworker or anything like that, I love Cooley, I'm just saying he strikes me more as a "class-clown" type than a guy that is gonna set the pace or keep the team together during rough times. That doesn't mean he'll ever cause problems, because I don't think he would, but he just doesn't seem like the type, and of course all of this is shallow speculation, since none of us has ever been in the locker room.

He might end up being the captain, I have no way of knowing, that was just my reasoning.


ST Capt: Lorenzo Alexander

GREAT call on Alexander, I hadn't even thought of him, and he's a big time ST player too. I would definitely put him in there a an ST captain.

He's already spoken out in the media and represented himself and the team well. He said he wished AH would come to workout with everyone, making his point without being scathing or offensive really. That's kind of what I'd look for if I had a vote in the locker room, a guy that represents our team.

In reality ANYONE could be the captains, I'm just basing it off of what we saw last season, they were guys that were huge stat guys, but they were, above everything, dedicated to making the team better and getting the job done.

[erock353]

Shanahan's last year in Denver, give somewhat of an idea:


http://blog.denverbroncos.com/wp-content/uploads/icons/denver-broncos.jpg (http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/)And the Captains Are…

September 5th, 2008 - 1:13pm by Adam Zinser On their final day of practice at Dove Valley before heading to Oakland for the season opener on Monday Night Football, the Broncos selected their team captains for 2008.
http://www.denverbroncos.com/resources/custom/Images/08%20Blogs/captains_elb_080905.jpg
Champ Bailey and Jay Cutler will again don the big “C” patch on their jerseys, but they will be joined by three more of their teammates as well. Daniel Graham and D.J. Williams will also be captains for the offense and defense, respectively, and Mike Leach will represent the special teams.

Head Coach Mike Shanahan said that the special teams captain will vary from week-to-week.
Though only his third year in the league, this is the second year in a row that Cutler has been elected captain by his teammates. During this afternoon’s press conference, Shanahan said that his quarterback’s youth does not even come into play.
“Well as a quarterback in that third year, you’re not too young anymore, especially when you’re the starter,” Shanahan said. “It just shows the amount of respect the rest of the team has for him.”
Captains are elected solely by the players, and during the open locker room period, Graham, Leach and Williams each spoke about what it means to have their teammates show faith in them.
“When your teammates elect you a captain, it must mean that they respect you and think highly of you,” Graham told reporters. “It’s an honor of me, and I’m happy to be a captain on this team.”
Though this is the first time Williams will wear the “C” patch, he has always been in a position of leadership.
“Especially last year playing the mike linebacker,” Williams said. “That’s kind of like the quarterback on defense.”
Now, his teammates have made it official.
“This year, I was voted team captain so I’m just going to lead to the best of my ability,” said the fifth year linebacker. “It’s definitely a great honor. I’m privileged that my teammates chose me to go out there and lead for the defense.”
And though the special teams captain will change each week, Leach is every bit as appreciative as his fellow captains.
“Well you always want to have the respect of your teammates,” Leach said. “When it comes from them, it means a lot.”
This marks just the second year that the NFL has recognized captains in this manner.
– Adam Zinser, DenverBroncos.com

[RenegadeTK]

Offense: D.McNabb - C.Cooley (maybe Moss or Portis if they are stepping up as leaders)
Defense: L.Fletcher - P.Daniels or A.Carter
Specials: L.Alexander - R.Doughty

[2STaylor1]

age doesnt matter, were seeing that now a days with coaches...... if Orakpo can catch everyones attention, and lead by example, others will follow. not everyone in the locker room wants to be a captain, not everyone is a leader. when i was playing sports, i was the only one on my team who was recruited to a D1 school and i in no way at that time was cut out to be a captain. a captain is someone who the rest of the team can look at and believe in. someone who people can look at to keep them going. i see no problem with Orakpo being a captain.

[2STaylor1]

this is a good discussion, i jumped to make a reply before i read all the threads. though i dont see a problem with Orakpo being named a captain, i see great arguments posted by everyone on why he should and shouldnt be. my take is that age is a horrible excuse. think of it like this, the mlb is the leader of the lb corps as well as the defense so orakpo has that working against him. that may also be a silly excuse but when fletcher leaves and orakpo is the captain on the D the new mlb will still be aligning everyone and so forth. like i said kinda weak arguments but they are still valid. you cant argue against daniels, he is a veteran of veterans and he leads by example. but i have to say, it would be intriguing to throw a wild card in there and make Landry a captain. it will make him more accountable and at the same time show him we believe in him (which i do) small things can make him a better player. Enough with the D. on offense, mcnabb is a given, hes the QB. Rabach isnt a bad choice because he has seniority on the OL. BUT i think we should give portis a shot, he seems different this off season, and he seems like a guy who would let something like being named captain influence him in a good way. i say go for it. shanny wont tolerate and bad eggs anyways so y the f not.

[T-REX1240]

B4 we can determine who the capts will be, we have to determine the criteria for selecting the right players to be capts. Would it b a playr who doesnt really say much but jus lets his on-field play do the talkn (ie Horton) or one of the most vocal playrs on the team (D Hall)..or would it automatically b the vets on each side of the ball??

Some teams allow the playrs to pick their capts, othrs r selectd by the coachin staff. But which is actually the best/most affectve method??

[ConnSKINS26]

B4 we can determine who the capts will be, we have to determine the criteria for selecting the right players to be capts. Would it b a playr who doesnt really say much but jus lets his on-field play do the talkn (ie Horton) or one of the most vocal playrs on the team (D Hall)..or would it automatically b the vets on each side of the ball??

Some teams allow the playrs to pick their capts, othrs r selectd by the coachin staff. But which is actually the best/most affectve method??

I think letting the players choose their own leaders is always the most effective method, instead of having the coach choose "his" guys.

And based on the past, this is what Shanahan will do. Its what he did with the Broncos, at least.

[MGutta]

I think letting the players choose their own leaders is always the most effective method, instead of having the coach choose "his" guys.

And based on the past, this is what Shanahan will do. Its what he did with the Broncos, at least.

+1

If you're going to select captains of a team, it has to be someone respected by the players of that team.


Rock was ST. I was projecting Doughty to be a ST captain, and your drawback was that he didn't play enough. I was just stating that Doughty played both special teams and defense, so playing time shouldn't really come into consideration.

Oh ok. I thought you meant the defense. Simply misunderstanding.

And to snowman: we're just going to have to agree to disagree. It's become apparent that neither of us are budging. As another poster brought up, he saw a lot of good arguments both ways. I guess we just have our own feelings and have to wait for the team to make the final call. We'll see.

[Papabear]

there's only one Captain and that's Shanahan. He's Chief.

There is only one Chief and that is Chief Zee.

[jfriedenthal]

The captains should look something like this:
Defense:
Carlos Rogers
Albert Haynesworth

Offense:
Clinton Portis
Mike Sellers

Special Teams:
Larry Johnson
DeAngelo Hall

haha.... What do you all think about this nightmare?

[Papabear]

The captains should look something like this:
Defense:
Carlos Rogers
Albert Haynesworth

Offense:
Clinton Portis
Mike Sellers

Special Teams:
Larry Johnson
DeAngelo Hall

haha.... What do you all think about this nightmare?

Is that you Jim Zorn? Troll!

[iMeast]

The two people I would like to see become captains are Clinton Portis and Albert Haynesworth. That would mean that they are mending fences with teammates and working on becoming the players we know they can be.

HTTR

[Skins2Win91]

haynesworth on defense and johnson on offense. Those guys have some good character qualities worthy of being captains

[VonSway]

Offense: Grossman and Heyer
Defense: Rogers and Hall
ST: Moore and Tebow

TIME FOR CHANGE!!!!

[DGREENHULK]

Ok Captains aside did anyone see Chris Wilson on RN last night? That guy looks like a beast I wouldn't question his dedication because that dude has been in the weight room...It wouldn't surprise me if he is in the mix at OLB opposite Orakpo

[VonSway]

he's definitely in the mix. Carter might not pan out at LB and I wouldn't be mad if Wilson saw considerable playing time in our new defense.

[darrelgreenie]

I have a feeling that it will look something like this:
Offense: McNabb and Cooley
Defense: Fletcher and Orakpo
Special Teams: Blades and Doughty

I don't know how Shanahan assigns his captains.
But, based on your 2 per unit model:
OFFENSE:

McNabb naturally

Casey Rabach: the OL is going to be important and Shanahan values the OL; i would make a veteran like Rabach a captain he's the senior member on our OL and he's already viewed as a leader

DEFENSE:

Fletcher

LaRon Landry: this would be a risky move but sometimes people repsond to the challenge. Imo if our defense is gonna become elite Landry needs to become a leader, he needs to take ownership back there he's the FS putting him in a leadership position might open his eyes and make him become a leader. Maybe he'll hold himself to a higher level of play to earn the honor. And as a captain he'll work closer with Fletcher and the coaching staff more will be demanded of him. Maybe a player with his talent needs to be challenged to become great or else they might get bored or distracted.

SPECIAL TEAMS
???????
I think at least one of the special teams captains needs to be full time special teammer like Rock.
Someone who's on every 'teams' unit and performs at a high level and isn't worried about other playing time elsewhere.

Reed Doughty/H.B. Blades/Chris Wilson

[stevemcqueen1]

Deangelo should be a captain. Or at least someone from the secondary like him or Rogers. Man I almost forgot Smoot got cut but he would have been good. The secondary is a very tight knit group and all of them look out for each other. Deangelo is a good teammate and a vocal, rah rah guy. I think it should be either him and Fletcher, or Carter and Fletcher if Carter sticks around. Orakpo is still a little young.

On offense it's going to be McNabb for sure and then probably Dockery. Cooley's probably friends with everyone, but I never thought of him as much of a leader. Plus he might get traded. If Malcolm Kelly breaks out this year, I could really see him becoming a team leader because he's a mature, well spoken guy and a natural alpha dog.

They really gutted the leadership of our team this offseason. Things might get worse before they get better.

[stevemcqueen1]

LaRon Landry: this would be a risky move but sometimes people repsond to the challenge. Imo if our defense is gonna become elite Landry needs to become a leader, he needs to take ownership back there he's the FS putting him in a leadership position might open his eyes and make him become a leader. Maybe he'll hold himself to a higher level of play to earn the honor. And as a captain he'll work closer with Fletcher and the coaching staff more will be demanded of him. Maybe a player with his talent needs to be challenged to become great or else they might get bored or distracted.

LaRon was a leader at LSU so I don't think this is far fetched. But I think we're about a hair away from irreparably damaging his career here with all of his struggles, poor coaching, criticisms, and the talk of trading him. I can't help but feel we massively screwed the pooch on one of the most talented safeties of the decade. I'm really hoping he can turn it around and get along with the coaching staff and gives us a solid season. We really need it to happen. I'm disappointed that one of the first things Shanahan should have done but didn't do was reach out to a guy like Landry and try and get him to change his approach and realize how important he was to our future success. We shouldn't have been trying to trade him, we should have been trying to salvage him.

I don't think our secondary coaches are very impressive, but I'm hoping they can get our guys on track. We've got far too many top 10 picks sunk into the unit for them not to be outstanding.

[VonSway]

LaRon was a leader at LSU so I don't think this is far fetched. But I think we're about a hair away from irreparably damaging his career here with all of his struggles, poor coaching, criticisms, and the talk of trading him. I can't help but feel we massively screwed the pooch on one of the most talented safeties of the decade. I'm really hoping he can turn it around and get along with the coaching staff and gives us a solid season. We really need it to happen. I'm disappointed that one of the first things Shanahan should have done but didn't do was reach out to a guy like Landry and try and get him to change his approach and realize how important he was to our future success. We shouldn't have been trying to trade him, we should have been trying to salvage him.

I don't think our secondary coaches are very impressive, but I'm hoping they can get our guys on track. We've got far too many top 10 picks sunk into the unit for them not to be outstanding.

effective coaching is far too overlooked and underrated.

[pjfootballer]

I vote for Morgan, Hook, Cook, Blye, America and Crunch as our next 6. Morgan/Cook on offense. Hook/Blye on defense and America/Crunch on special teams.

[Hitman21ST]

I vote for Morgan, Hook, Cook, Blye, America and Crunch as our next 6. Morgan/Cook on offense. Hook/Blye on defense and America/Crunch on special teams.

America has to be defense, just look at that shield, nothing gets by it. Morgan and Crunch on offense, you can't go wrong with liquor and cereal. Hook has to be special teams, he's the scrub of the group, can't even beat a boy who never grows up. Cook and Blye are toss-ups.

[pjfootballer]

America has to be defense, just look at that shield, nothing gets by it. Morgan and Crunch on offense, you can't go wrong with liquor and chocolate. Hook has to be special teams, he's the scrub of the group, can't even beat a boy who never grows up. Cook and Blye are toss-ups.

Cook special teams. No one knows his specialty.

Blye Defense with America. Blye was a bastard.

So, Morgan/Crunch on offense

Blye and America on defense

Cook and Hook on STs.

We're good to go.

[stevemcqueen1]

I vote for Morgan, Hook, Cook, Blye, America and Crunch as our next 6. Morgan/Cook on offense. Hook/Blye on defense and America/Crunch on special teams.

Hmmm. Actually I'd go with Picard and Kirk on offense. Janeway and Archer would be special teams as they were the busch league ones.

[Skins2Win91]

what about kangaroo? i think hell make a nasty running back and a great captain of offense

[cphil006]

I like Doughty, he's a real class act... my only objection to him would be his lack of playing time.

I really wish Haynesworth would shutup--he'd make it a lot easier to pick him

If AH would show up to workouts... he'd be a captain hands down and everyone would listen to him... he plays hard... he dominates... he wants to win... he's frustrated by the handcuffs he feels would be on him by playing NT in a 3-4... also, he's not working out in Tennessee because he wants to sleep in... he thinks he'd get better results there. He thinks the excercises he'll do with his trainer there would benefit him more... therefore benefitting the Redskins... :D

[darrelgreenie]

But I think we're about a hair away from irreparably damaging his career here with all of his struggles, poor coaching, criticisms, and the talk of trading him. I can't help but feel we massively screwed the pooch on one of the most talented safeties of the decade. I'm really hoping he can turn it around and get along with the coaching staff and gives us a solid season...................I'm disappointed that one of the first things Shanahan should have done but didn't do was reach out to a guy like Landry and try and get him to change his approach and realize how important he was to our future success....................................We shouldn't have been trying to trade him, we should have been trying to salvage him.

I think talk of Landry's struggles like talk of anything Redskins related is overblown.
I chalk it up to a handful of horrible plays in a otherwise good career.
Its just that good isn't good enough when you're as talented as LaRon.

We don't know that some coach hasn't reached out to LaRon.
I would bet the Haslett has reached out to him, i recall Haslett talking specifically about watching LaRon as a young player in New Orleans.

Much like Haynseworth i don't think Landry was ever being shopped.
Imo, when you have a chance to get a franchise QB you take that chance even if it means offering up your most talented players.
In my mind there is no question that LaRon will bounce back.
The question for me is wether he will he'll reach his immense potential.


I don't think our secondary coaches are very impressive, but I'm hoping they can get our guys on track. We've got far too many top 10 picks sunk into the unit for them not to be outstanding.

I don't think the success we've had with late round safeties is all luck or scouting. Somewhere along the way Steve Jackson was really getting it done from a coaching standpoint and i think that's why he's still around.

[SKOALSKIN]

Haynesworth, McIntosh, Campbell, Landry and Portis

[pjfootballer]

http://images.dailyradar.com/media/uploads/showhype/story_preview/2009/07/10/hugh_hefner_sued_by_a_hat.jpg

I'm a boat captain, a boat captain.....

[Adam291]

I'm kind of surprised that Cooley is mentioned so much. He's a cool guy and great player, but he never seemed like the kind of guy who does or even wants to pump the team up or anything. I don't mean it as a knock, he just doesn't seem like the traditional leader type.

When I think of a football team leader, I think of the guy who will get in the middle of a huddle and scream and yell and get everyone hyped up. London Fletcher seems like the classic team leader. McNabb probably fits that role on offense, but I don't know about a 2nd. Maybe Portis or Moss? Defense is obviously Fletcher and maybe Daniels. ST should be Sellers and maybe Lorenzo Alexander.

[HailToTheRedskins14]

Well had we turned him loose last year, he would've done a lot more on the stat sheets, but what he did do was he made our defense better as a whole. As good as Rak and Carter are, they wouldn't have had half the sacks they did with Griffin up front.

Plus, if you recall, he came to DHalls side in those two fights last year. He said something like "I saw my teammate in trouble, and I wasn't going to let anything happen to him".

THAT is leadership...

But given his cancerous personality of late, I don't see him as a viable option... hence my suggestion that he should shut up


"Cancerous"? Really? Study up on Haynesworth, he hasn't done anything of the sort. I can definitely see him being a captain next year. He'll go harder than anyone in training camp, just like he does during the games.

[MGutta]

"Cancerous"? Really? Study up on Haynesworth, he hasn't done anything of the sort. I can definitely see him being a captain next year. He'll go harder than anyone in training camp, just like he does during the games.

There's nothing to study. You study history.

Pick up a newspaper; it's happening now. Did I not say "of late," or did you just selectively omit that because I didn't pick Haynesworth as a captain.

You obviously have bias too... Seriously?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5101086


Haynesworth is unhappy with the prospect of playing nose tackle in the team's switch to a 3-4 defense. He has also chosen to do his offseason conditioning workouts away from Redskins Park, a move that displeased Shanahan.

The Redskins have explored trades with several teams for Haynesworth. If they are going to make a deal, they would like to have it in place before next week's draft.

Complaining about the system before ever even practicing in it (let alone playing) is nothing short of childish. He disappointed our coach and we've explored trades. Doesn't sound like he's putting the team before himself, and if ESPN's story is true (which I believe to be the case), and we HAVE explored trades, it shows that Shanahan does not want Haynesworth here. If Haynesworth was not a cancer, such would not be the case.

[SonOfWashington]

O: McNabb & Portis
D: Fletcher & Orakpo
ST: Sellers & whoever is returning kicks

[JaxJoe]

Don't forget that captain is not just a popularity or a stats-leader contest.

There is some pretty serious responsibilities like: making sure your players are mentally prepared for the upcoming game (studying & assignments etc) from the players perspective; taking the position coaches' instructions and helping practice move smoother; taking players' concerns to the coaching staff; captains are usually required to spend more film time with the coaches and help prepare and execute the game plan. I just don't see Orakpo in this role yet. Maybe I'm wrong?

So seniority and experience are huge. I like:

Offense: McNabb & Rabach (Cooley is still a little too silly sometimes)
Defense: Fletcher & Daniels (Daniels is a serious and dedicated man)
Special Teams: Sellers & whoever returns kicks.

[darrelgreenie]

LaRon was a leader at LSU so I don't think this is far fetched. But I think we're about a hair away from irreparably damaging his career here with all of his struggles, poor coaching, criticisms, and the talk of trading him. I can't help but feel we massively screwed the pooch on one of the most talented safeties of the decade. I'm really hoping he can turn it around and get along with the coaching staff and gives us a solid season. We really need it to happen. I'm disappointed that one of the first things Shanahan should have done but didn't do was reach out to a guy like Landry and try and get him to change his approach and realize how important he was to our future success. We shouldn't have been trying to trade him, we should have been trying to salvage him.

I don't think our secondary coaches are very impressive, but I'm hoping they can get our guys on track. We've got far too many top 10 picks sunk into the unit for them not to be outstanding.

Music to our ears:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/red...ehin.html#more (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/3-4-defense/landry-puts-trade-rumors-behin.html#more)

"I looked at it like this, 'There are other teams who wanted me.' They really wanted me. If the Skins wanted to give me up, I'd be gone by now. The only thing I did, I stepped back and thought of my next career move as a businessman. That didn't mean I stopped working or didn't want to be with the Skins. I was just thinking of my next business move. Talking with my agent and that was it. I wasn't mad or anything.

" I let my agent handle everything. When everything calmed down, you see I'm here. I'm proud to be a Skin and I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Landry has spent more time at the complex than during previous offseasons because "the 3-4 defense is new. My second year here, I knew the whole defense. I knew everything. I communicated with coach [Greg] Blache. Coach Blache was okay with me working out wherever I was working out at, and we communicated that. But as far this defense, it's a whole new thing. I need to be here and learn that.

"The whole thing is different. The 3-4 is way different than a 4-3. Different calls. I'm learning strong safety and free safety. But predominantly I am a strong safety. When the passing strength changes, I'm a free safety, so I need to learn everything. I want to know the whole defense. I want to be a leader back there. More vocal and by my athletic ability. I feel very comfortable in the defense so far. ... Looks like it's gonna be a fun year."