The Other Ten Guys

[Zorn on the 4th of July]

I've brought up this issue in a few different threads, but I think it deserves it's own.

Please dispute me: there is no effective player leadership on this team.

We can keep 10 guys and cut 10 guys all day long. We can get an all-new offensive line. We can cut LaRon Landry and parade him through the streets. However, if we keep believing that the missing key to the Redskins' success is an issue that can be addressed with increased athletic skill, we're doomed to fail until we change our thinking.

We need clear player leadership in every aspect of the game. We need ONE starter on the field at all times who will rally the other ten guys and get them to perform when they're winded, or if they are eliminated from the playoffs, or if they are down by three scores going into the half. We need that player to inform a poorly-performing player of their mistakes and motivate them to improve, before the coaches do.

This player . . . let's give him some sort of title that will designate his increased level of responsibility . . . how about we call him a "Captain?" This Captain can't just show up on game day. He's got to be present in every meeting, every video session, every workout, and every practice.

There is good news: look at who our Captains are this year. Every single one of them deserved to be voted into the position by his teammates. I have no problems with who our Captains are. I do have a problem with what our Captains do (or don't do).

When have we seen Jason Campbell address another player's mistake immediately after it happens? Does London Fletcher do the same? Is it surprising that the O-line is playing so poorly with it's Captain, Chris Samuels, out and flirting with retirement?

There are a lot of athletically-talented people on this team, including the oft-maligned LaRon Landry. The list of people we MUST cut is zero. The list of positions that must show improvement is very long. When you approach the problem from that angle, it changes how you solve it.

We don't need an all-new team. We need a few guys who make the other ten players on the field better. The good news is we already have people on the roster that are capable of doing that. Now they just have to do it.

NOTE: None of this should be construed to justify us not taking the NFL Draft/off-season acquisitions seriously. We do have needs to take care of and the means to do it. However, we will keep losing until a leader emerges for the offense, defense, and special teams.