» The Redskins let players say whatever they want without consequence. It happened last season with Clinton Portis, when he popped off on Jim Zorn on the radio. Nothing happened. Then Albert Haynesworth criticized the defensive coaches and their schemes last week. Again, nothing happened. Oh, wait, he was fined. Yes, a possible $10,000 fine hurts a guy with $41 million guaranteed coming his way. Maybe the higher-ups (Bruce Allen/Dan Snyder) figured this staff is gone anyway. Still, it would be nice to remind players that certain comments are unacceptable.
» Brian Orakpo will not win rookie defensive player of the year. Nor should he. Orakpo has had an excellent first season, transitioning to linebacker after playing end in college. However, before his four-sack game, he was behind the other top contenders for this award. And in the past six games, those four sacks are the only ones he’s recorded, which means he’s had no sacks in five games. Sunday, he did not play well, struggling to get off blocks and even missing a couple tackles. Still a terrific draft choice, but not the best defensive rookie.
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» The Redskins may need to make a decision at tight end for next season. What if the new coach does not want to use two pass-catching tight ends? That’s a real possibility. Good luck making this choice. In six games as the primary tight end this season, Chris Cooley (injured early in the seventh game) averaged 4.5 catches and 11.6 yards per catch. In nine games, Fred Davis has averaged 3.9 catches per game and 11.9 yards per reception. Davis is more athletic, younger and cheaper; Cooley is more proven, not to mention immensely popular.
» Even if the Redskins move LaRon Landry to strong safety full-time next season, he will not make the sort of plays other top safeties, such as a Troy Polamalu, make. Landry is a good athlete, but his strength is playing the run. Guys like Polamalu are adept at making plays in the passing game; they have an instinct that Landry hasn’t yet shown. His talent is obvious, but so are his weaknesses.
