A former first round pick, Carriker was traded by the St. Louis Rams to the Redskins in 2010. Largely considered a bust in St. Louis, where he played in a 4-3 defense, Carriker has since excelled in Washington’s 3-4 scheme.

After an exceptional 2011 campaign, Carriker signed a big contract with the Redskins in March 2012 (four years, $20M). He was later lost for the season, however, when he tore his right quad tendon in Week 2 against his former team.

The 2012 injury marked the second time in his six year career that Carriker has spent most of a season on injured reserve, having sat out the entire 2009 season with a shoulder injury sustained in preseason play.

Many people in Washington would be sad to see Carriker go, and not just because of his on-field talent. He is a fan favorite, interacting frequently on Twitter, making jokes at the expense of other NFC East quarterbacks and co-hosting a weekly pro wrestling radio show with local media personality Chuck Carroll.

Unfortunately, a perfect storm of veteran contributions, rising talent and cap penalties may leave the Redskins with no choice but to release him.

Since Carriker’s arrival in Washington the team has significantly bolstered its defensive line, adding Stephen Bowen, Barry Cofield and Jarvis Jenkins in 2011.

Veterans Bowen and Cofield have both lived up to on-field expectations while also earning respect and recognition from their teammates – Bowen received the team’s nomination for the Ed Block Courage Award in 2011 and Cofield was named a defensive captain in November 2012.

Jenkins lost his rookie season to an ACL injury, but played in all 16 games in 2012 and recorded his first career start in Week 3 after Carriker was placed on IR. His performance markedly improved as the year went on, reaching a pinnacle in the final weeks of the season. Jenkins has received high praise from both coaches and teammates for his progress, which has led to speculation that he will be in contention for a starting role in 2013.

Also impacting Carriker’s position this off-season is the status of veteran defensive end Kedric Golston, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Golston is entering his eighth season and has previously signed  consecutive one year deals with the Redskins. While his star may be waning, his price tag may earn him another year in Washington, presumably as Jenkins backup if Carriker goes. Golston’s 2012 contract only counted for $540,000 against the cap – a far cry from the $4M Carriker is due.

No team wants to willingly give up talent, but the Redskins are short on options this year as they face their second and final $18M cap penalty. In a regular year, I doubt anyone would question whether or not Carriker stays. Unfortunately,  2013 is not a regular year for Washington.

Like many of you, I can never get enough football and look forward to those times during the off-season when big news happens. With the NFL Combine winding down, it is time to look ahead to the next big dates leading up to the kick off of the 2013 season. We will continue to update this listing as more dates and information become available for training camp, preseason games, etc…

Saturday, March 9: Teams can begin negotiating with unrestricted free agents

Tuesday, March 12: Qualifying offers to unrestricted free agents and offers to restricted free agents are due prior to 4pm EST

Tuesday, March 12: All clubs must be under the salary cap by 4pm EST

Tuesday, March 12: League year, free agency and trading officially open for the 2013 season at 4pm EST

March 17-20: NFL Annual Meeting

April 25 – 27: NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City

Late July – Mid-August: Redskins Training Camp held in Richmond (Exact dates TBD)

Thursday, September 5: Season Opener at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore

Sunday, September 8: Redskins Season Opener

The Redskins special teams unit will operate under new leadership in 2013, with long-time coach Danny Smith headed to Pittsburgh, and two of its key players are set to become free agents in March.

Punter Sav Rocca, who is coming off a 2-year, $3.5M contract, will become an unrestricted free agent. Rocca had an impressive 2012 campaign, in which he averaged a career-best 43.9 yards per punt and made some impressive tackles when early defenses against returns faltered. He will, however, receive off-season surgery to repair an injured meniscus (on which he played all season) and turn 40 years old this November. Unless Rocca is willing to take a pay cut, he will likely not return in 2013.

An unlikely hero of the 2012 season, long snapper Nick Sundberg made a name for himself when he played the second half of the opening game against the Saints with a broken arm. Twitter erupted with #SundbergIt and t-shirts were made to celebrate the feat. The Redskins used their one injured reserve designated for return tag on Sundberg, and would finish the season 8-0 with Sundberg on the field and just 2-6 without. Sundberg is completing a 3-year, $1.215M contract and will become a restricted free agent. It is hard to imagine a scenario in which the Redskins don’t keep Sundberg.

On the defensive side of the ball, seven year veteran defensive end Kedric Golston may have come to the end of his tenure with the Redskins. Golston played in all 16 games in 2012, serving as one of the primary back-ups for Adam Carriker, who was lost for season to injury in Week 2. Golston becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of his second consecutive one-year contract with the Redskins. While the team will still need a reliable back-up when Carriker returns, that role will likely be filled by the other DEs under contact, principally the younger, more versatile Jarvis Jenkins.

Moving to the offense, three players stand out as being of primary concern: Tyler Polumbus, Kory Lichtensteiger, and Darrel Young.

Darrel Young Celebrates TD with Logan Paulsen in Week 11 vs. Philadelphia

Of the three, Polumbus is perhaps the most challenging to address. The Redskins desperately need to address the right tackle position, where they have a significant dearth of both talent and depth. Poised to enter his sixth season in the NFL, Polumbus will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of his current one-year contract. He struggled during the 2012 season, in which he was playing in place of the perennially-injured Jammal Brown. Polumbus will likely receive an offer, largely out of necessity, from the Redskins, who will also look to bolster this position through both free agency and the draft.

Fellow O-lineman Kory Lichtensteiger will also become an unrestricted free agent after his one-year, $1.26M contract expires. Lichtensteiger, a versatile four-year veteran who can play both left guard and center, had a very impressive 2012 season and was voted by teammates as the recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award for inspiration, courage and sportsmanship shown in his recovery from an ACL injury suffered in Week 6 of the 2011 season. Lichtensteiger should receive an offer from the Redskins, though the length of any contract may be impacted by the promise shown by rookie Josh LeRibeus.

And finally, the no-brainer. Fullback Darrel Young will be a restricted free agent coming off of his 3-year, $1.215M rookie contract. He played in all 16 games in 2012 and accrued 60 rushing yards, 109 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Young, who played linebacker in college, is an incredible blocker and plays a pivotal role in the success of the run game. With talent and depth needed in the backfield to support Alfred Morris, resigning Young should be a priority.

Teams can begin negotiating with unrestricted free agents on March 9 and must have all qualifying offers in to restricted free agents by 4pm on March 12. 2013 NFL free agency officially begins at 4pm on March 12, at which time all 2012 contracts expire and all teams must be under the salary cap.

With no position is this more true than tight end.

The Redskins tight end situation has been somewhat precarious over the last two seasons and this off-season will see three of the Redskins four tight ends become free agents.

During the 2012 preseason, it was announced that second-year WR Niles Paul would transition to tight end. Paul struggled with the transition, however, only making eight receptions for 152 yards in 2012. Paul is the only tight end who remains under contract in 2013.

Veteran, and fan-favorite, Chris Cooley battled injuries throughout 2011, playing in only five games, and failed to make the 53-man roster at the start of the 2012 season. Cooley returned to the roster after Davis was injured, but only had one catch in nine games. Cooley will be an unrestricted free agent.

Starting tight end Fred Davis ended the 2011 season with a four-game suspension for failed drug tests and, after receiving the team’s one franchise tag in the off-season, went to IR in Week 7 of the 2012 season with an Achilles injury. Davis is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

Logan Paulsen, entering his fourth season with the Redskins, was the only tight end to play in 16 games in both the 2011 and 2012 season. Paulsen will be a restricted free agent.

With Paul still under contract and proving to be a stand out special teams contributor, it is reasonable to assume that his roster spot is safe, at least for now. Cooley, however, will almost certainly not receive an offer from the Redskins this offseason. The time has come for Captain Chaos to hang up his cleats and join the ranks of other retired stars in front of the TV cameras.

Paulsen is coming off of his rookie contract and re-signing him should be a priority. In his three seasons in Washington, Paulsen has appeared in all but five games. In 2012, he caught 25 of his 37 targets for an average 12.3 yard gain. Paulsen tallied 308 yards and 17 first downs.

What the numbers don’t show, however, is the crucial role Paulsen plays in blocking. He is far and away the Redskins best blocking tight end and was instrumental in the success of both the run game and the ability of our wide receivers to get out and get open. Paulsen has also significantly improved his pass-catching skills since 2011 and has the work ethic to needed for continued development.

Paulsen & Griffin III celebrate vs. Dallas Cowboys

A qualifying offer for Paulsen will cost the Redskins a minimum of $1.323M against the cap. Since Paulsen was undrafted, the team does not stand to gain any draft picks by letting him go to another team for more money. While the market for Paulsen is not likely huge, the Redskins would do well by themselves, and Paulsen, to make his initial offer enough to make him happy to stay in Washington.

The biggest question among tight ends, maybe among all Redskins free agents, is what to do about Fred Davis. Now entering his sixth season, Davis was the recipient of the team’s franchise tag last season. Should the Redskins opt to use the tag on Davis again this year, it will cost the team $6.5M against the cap.

Before being placed on IR in Week 7, Davis was on track to have one of the better seasons of his career and it was clear that he and QB Robert Griffin III were working well together. Davis caught 24 of 31 targets for 325 yards and averaged 13.5 yards per catch with 17 first downs and no fumbles. He has the break out speed that Paulsen lacks and has improved as a blocker, though has yet to match Paulsen’s blocking prowess.

With a non-exclusive franchise tag, the Redskins would be able to match any offers Davis receives from other teams or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation should they not choose not to match the offer. Any franchise tag, however, carries with it significant risk, especially for the cap-strapped Redskins. With a suspension and recent injury on his resume, is Davis worth $6.5M right now? While the prospect of some additional draft picks is appealing, nothing says the Redskins would actually get them.

Rather than taking a risk with a franchise tag, the Redskins would be better served by working out a long-term deal with Davis. They can absorb the cap hit over a number of years and maintain diversity and depth at tight end. Perhaps more importantly, Davis knows the system and can be a reliable pass-catcher for whichever of the Redskins young quarterbacks starts the 2013 season.

For those who may let recent memories of LaRon Landry’s achilles injury dampen their view on Davis, note two things: First, Davis had surgery to repair the tear and has plenty of time to rehab before the start of camp this summer (conservative estimates for recovery or 6-9 months). Second, Davis has a much better attitude than Landry and that makes a big difference when it comes to recovery.

Best case scenario: Redskins retain both Davis and Paulsen. Even then, however, they still need to develop some young talent, and should be looking very closely at the tight ends available in the 2013 draft class.

Round 7, Pick 217 – S Jordan Bernstine (Iowa)

The 5’11″ safety had a good preseason, pulling in an INT in the last preseason game against Tampa Bay. Bernstine looked to be a solid special teams contributor and decent back up in ailing secondary. His season, unfortunately, ended early when he was injured on a Q4 kick-off in the opening game, his NFL debut, against the New Orleans Saints. Bernstine was placed on IR with tears to his ACL, PCL and MCL. Provided his recovery goes smoothly and he performs well again this preseason, he should prove a nice addition to the defense.

Round 7, Pick 213 – CB Richard Crawford (SMU)

Crawford’s speed and tackling prowess earned him playing time on both defense and special teams throughout 2012. He played in ten games, tallying 18 tackles, two pass deflections, one fumble recovery  and one Texas-sized interception. Crawford excelled on special teams, providing great coverage against the return and much-needed speed on returns, including his amazing 64 yard return in OT against Baltimore. Given his talents and big play potential, one could argue that Crawford was underutilized this season. Hopefully he can work this offseason on whatever aspects of his game kept the coaches from playing him more and earn a bigger role in 2013.

Round 6, Pick 193 – OT Tom Compton (South Dakota)

Compton was the only member of the 2012 draft class to not make the 53-man roster to start the season. He did, however, earn a spot on the practice squad. With questions about talent and depth on the offensive line, the 6’5″ Compton was a decent pick at a needed position. With injuries nagging the O-line, he was promoted to the active roster in early December, taking the spot of suspended CB Cedric Griffin. Only time will tell how valuable he is to the Redskins, but he was a late round pick who has time to develop in the system.

Round 6, Pick 173 – RB Alfred Morris (Florida Atlantic)

Shanahan is known for finding stud RBs, but it is hard to imagine that anyone saw this coming. Alfred Morris, an instant fan favorite, rushed for 1,613 yards in 335 attempts, averaging just over 100 yards per game and lead the team in TDs, with 13. Morris also broke the Redskins season rushing yards record, previously held by another fan favorite, Clinton Portis. Morris played all season with incredible fight, tenacity and speed, never seeming to tire and somehow avoiding the infamous “rookie wall”. The three time Rookie of the Week honoree is now a Rookie of the Year candidate and 2nd Team All-Pro selection. Enough good things cannot be said about Morris. The humble rookie is one of the crown jewels of this rookie class, and of the Redskins offense of the future.

Round 5, Pick 141 – G Adam Gettis (Iowa)

Gettis saw a lot of preseason action, filling in for an injured Chris Chester, and showed the coaches enough to earn himself a spot on the 53-man roster. Much like Tom Compton, Gettis was a good pick at a needed position. At 6’3″, Gettis provides added size and depth to the line tasked with protecting our highest pick and offensive leader, Robert Griffin III.

Round 4, Pick 119 – OLB Keenan Robinson (Texas)

The 6’3″ Robinson, having played on both defense and special teams in college, was picked for both his talent and his versatility. Redskins DC Jim Haslett switched Robinson to inside linebacker to serve as a back-up for third year LB Perry Riley. Robinson played in 11 games this season, contributing on both defense and special teams. He tallied 11 tackles before leaving the Thanksgiving Day game against the Cowboys with a pectoral injury. Robinson was placed on season-ending injured reserve. With London Fletcher’s return not certain and Brian Orakpo’s ability to remain healthy questionable, Robinson’s successful recovery is very important to the development and depth of the Redskins linebacker corps.

Round 4, Pick 102 – QB Kirk Cousins (Michigan State)

Captain Kirk. Arguably the third best pick of the 2012 draft, it was widely questioned, even derided, at the time. No one questioned Cousins talent, however, they just questioned taking a second QB with such a high pick after mortgaging the future to take a QB in Round 1. But Shanahan saw the value and pounced, and Redskins Nation is now incredibly grateful he did. Cousins fairly easily won the QB2 position over veteran Rex Grossman, who was inactive until Week 15 when Cousins started over an injured Robert Griffin III against the Cleveland Browns. Cousins played in four games this season, starting one and stepping in for Griffin III in three others against the Falcons, Ravens and Seahawks. After leading the team to victory in Cleveland, Cousins became the third Redskins rookie to win Rookie of the Week. Whether or not you liked the pick in April, it quickly became clear that was a very smart one and, depending on Griffin III’s recovery timeline, it may well prove genius.

Round 3, Pick 71 – G Josh LeRibeus (SMU)

LeRibeus is another pick for whom versatility played a role. Not necessarily a favorite pick at the time, LeRibeus did fill needed depth on the offensive line, playing primarily as a guard, but also serving as a back up to center Chris Chester. LeRibeus debuted in Week 9 against Carolina and ultimately played in five games. He played admirably well, for the most part, but still needs to improve to earn a starting spot at such a crucial position. LeRibeus will be one to watch in camp this summer.

Round 1, Pick 2 – QB Robert Griffin, III (Baylor)

The fearless leader. Redskins fans everywhere embraced Robert Griffin III before he was even officially selected. They put their hope and faith in the young QB and, boy, did he deliver. Griffin III took the NFL by storm this year, breaking records, earning Rookie of the Week honors seven times and garnering a Pro Bowl selection over veterans like Drew Brees (who has now been chosen to replace the injured Griffin III) and Eli Manning. Though injuries plagued, and ultimately, ended his season, Griffin III was nothing short of awe-inspiring. He quickly became the team’s unquestioned leader and was elected a captain following the bye week. He was  the spark that ignited fellow rookies and seasoned veterans alike to put together a season to remember. Griffin III certainly did not do it all on his own, but he was a big part of the force that made it all possible. Only time will tell how Griffin III will recover from his knee injury and how that injury will affect his game going forward.

Injuries aside, this is one solid draft class. Though many of them were not big contributors now, they all have the potential to become contributors down the line. This class is a great example of how the team needs to home grow talent, drafting well and developing from there. The three offensive studs – Griffin III, Morris and Cousins – were all A picks in and of themselves. Overall, however, the 2012 draft earns a B+ for answering both present and future needs with smart draft position management by Shanahan. Without any first round picks in the 2013 draft, it should be interesting to watch Shanahan work his magic.

Rob Carr/Getty Images

One Redskin is quietly putting together an impressive season and far exceeding some rather low preseason expectations. DC-native and VA Tech graduate Joshua Morgan joined Washington’s receiving corps this off-season, arriving from San Francisco to fill an opening most had hoped would be taken by a slightly higher profile free agent.

Over the 14 games played so far this season, Morgan has developed into Robert Griffin III’s primary target and an incredibly reliable and fierce weapon.

Morgan is the only Redskins receiver to be targeted in every game this season, amassing 489 yards in 46 receptions. Despite having nine more receptions and ten more targets than any other receiver on the team, Morgan still ranks fourth among receivers in total yards and ninth in average yards per catch with 10.6 yards (yes, with a 10.6 yard average per catch he still only ranks ninth).

In the absence of injured TE Fred Davis, Morgan has assumed a hybrid WR-TE role, becoming the primary target in the short pass game and regularly making blocks on plays in which he isn’t the target.

At 6’1″, 220 lbs, the fifth year veteran has the size and power necessary for his new dynamic role and has used it in his blocking and, more importantly, in his post-catch surges for extra yards. Morgan ranks third among Redskins receivers in yards after the catch with 189 and leads the team in first downs, with 27. He is also Washington’s most reliable receiver, catching 46 of his 64 targets to complete 72% of his receptions.

Morgan does have one fumble, but it was recovered by the Redskins (Washington’s receivers have only lost one fumble this year and we remember it all too well – Moss in the final minutes of the loss to the Giants).

One of Morgan’s most memorable on field performances this year does, however, involve a fumble. In the Monday Night Football victory over the Giants, Griffin III fumbled the ball while attempting to slide after scrambling for a first down. The ball went airborne and landed in the outstretched arm of Morgan who ran it in for his first touchdown of the season.

Morgan followed through on his route and stayed with his QB up the sideline during the run, putting himself in the perfect position to make a play when one was needed. Luck? Perhaps. But he never took his eye off the ball.

Sadly, one of Morgan’s other most memorable performances this season involved a penalty that likely cost the Redskins the game, or at least a chance to take it into overtime. In the final two minutes of the game against the Rams, with the Redskins driving and only in need of a field goal to tie the game, Morgan drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty for throwing the ball at a Rams defender after completing the play.

The penalty took the Redskins out of field goal range and overshadowed an otherwise stellar performance by Morgan.

With only six more receptions, Morgan could eclipse his own season reception record, set in 2009 with San Francisco. At 10.6 average yards per reception, those six catches would also give him his second best season ever in terms of total yards. After stepping up to assume a larger role while Pierre Garçon was sidelined earlier this season, Morgan has found a niche for himself on the offense and is coexisting well with the now-returned number one receiver. Morgan signed a five year deal with the Redskins this off-season.

If he maintains this level of play, he will remain a staple in Washington’s offense for years to come. With the fight he has shown on the field this season, there should be little doubt about his bright future in Washington.

Well-deserved accolades abound for the rookie duo who are continually breaking team and NFL records. On Monday Night Football, in prime-time against the division rival New York Giants, the Redskins became the first team in NFL history to have a rookie with 2,000 passing yards (Griffin III) and a rookie with 1,000 rushing yards (Morris). That night Griffin III also surpassed Cam Newton’s record for rushing yards by a rookie QB. With 714 rushing yards thus far, Griffin III just might join Morris in the 1,000 yard club before the season is out.

Going into that game against the Giants, it was all but certain that Morris would break the 1,000 yard mark, and do it early in the game. Sure enough, on his third carry of the game, Morris broke free for a 19-yard gain and become the second Redskins rookie ever to rush for over 1,000 yards. Before the game was over, Morris would tally his fifth 100-yard game and eclipse the Redskins rookie rushing record, held since 1993.

Individual triumphs aside, however, our dynamic rookies are helping this team, as a whole, break longstanding streaks and achieve at a level not seen in Washington in years.

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While the Redskins cannot claim much of a home field advantage, if any, and are 1-2 at home this season, the series numbers provide a little hope. This is the 11^th meeting of the teams, with the Redskins leading the series 7-3 over the Panthers. More importantly, the Redskins are 5-0 against the Panthers at home. Washington versus Carolina is no great rivalry and, if it weren’t for the excitement surrounding their QBs, no one outside their fan bases would care much about this game. It is, however, a game the Redskins are well positioned to win.

There are some distinct similarities between the Redskins and Panthers offenses. Both have young, dynamic quarterbacks who can make plays in the air and on the ground. The Redskins average 221 passing and 387 total yards per game to the Panthers 233 and 347 yards, respectively. QBs Cam Newton and Robert Griffin, III have both been sacked 17 times this season.

The Redskins, however, have two big advantages over the Panthers. First, the Redskins faced second year QB Newton last season and have a season and a half of game tape to review in preparation for Newton’s arrival at FedEx. The Panthers, meanwhile, have never played Griffin and only have eight weeks worth of film to use to game plan against the QB who gets better each week. The comparisons between the QBs are endless but, while their total passing yards are similar, it is worth noting that Griffin has a 97.3 passer rating with eight TDs and 3 INTs to Newton’s 75.2 passer rating, five TDs and whopping eight INTs.

Second, Washington has the far more threatening run game and should be able to produce on the ground against a Carolina defense ranked 20^th in rushing yards allowed. Carolina’s opponents have rushed for an average of 114 yards per game, while Washington has gained an average of 166 rushing yards per game and have the second best rushing offense in the NFL right now. The Redskins two leading rushers, Griffin and Alfred Morris, have more than twice the total rushing yards of the Panthers two leading rushers, Newton and DeAngelo Williams.

The biggest outlier of the day is the Washington defense. Even after a poor showing last week in Pittsburgh, the Washington rushing defense is still ranked 10^th in the league, allowing fewer than 100 yards per game. The pass defense, however, is ranked 32^nd in the league and is on pace to have one of the worst seasons in NFL history. Let’s hope the defense has left the Steelers game and the DeAngelo Hall Refgate incident behind them. The team needs them to show up with their B+ game Sunday (let’s face it – they don’t have any A game) and contain Carolina’s Newton-led offense.

Beyond slowing down Cam Newton and limiting the yards of a TD-less Steve Smith, the defense also needs to focus on forcing the turnovers Carolina seems content giving up. Carolina has a -5 turnover ratio to the Redskins +7. Even when the Redskins defense looks like they can’t stop a phone from ringing, they still manage to get their hands on the ball. Let’s hope this week they come away with it more times than not.

We all know that the Redskins have a tendency to lose the games they shouldn’t, but I don’t see this game against Carolina as one of those games. The 1-6 Panthers are not going to roll over and meow from the start – it should be an entertaining, high scoring battle between two multifaceted QBs – but I expect Griffin to ultimately win the match up and lead the Redskins into the bye 4-5.

Amid injuries, suspensions and the league-imposed salary cap hit, the Redskins have been forced to fill key defensive needs with aging and second-tier free agents who would hardly be considered starting-caliber by most average teams. The team has, however, also added depth through both the draft and the acquisition of younger, less experienced free agents. Most of these young players have seen game day action, but few of them are getting the reps they need to both grow in the league and be fully vetted. Let’s go young against Carolina and start evaluating and developing the next generation of our defense.

With DE Adam Carriker on injured reserve with a torn tendon in his right knee, it is time for Jarvis Jenkins to step up as the playmaker we saw last preseason before an ACL injury derailed his rookie season. The second year DE out of Clemson has shared snaps with veteran Kedric Golston and now seems to be getting the bulk of the playing. While Jenkins is not yet playing at a high enough level to compensate for Carriker’s absence, he is showing great improvement  as he works to get back to NFL speed after a year off and should continue to start for the rest of the season.

The other big-name injury that has crushed our pass rush is that of Brian Orakpo, who is also out for the season. Rob Jackson, Chris Wilson and rookie Keenan Robinson have shared playing time at outside linebacker, with Jackson taking the majority of snaps thus far. Jackson has been productive, with two INTs and .5 sacks, but doesn’t share Orakpo’s pass rush prowess. Wilson is a career reserve linebacker and should remain as such. Robinson, however, has a unique athleticism and speed that could help him develop into the multidimensional threat needed to balance the OLB position. With an aging London Fletcher having an uncharacteristically bad season, Robinson, who has also played inside linebacker, may be asked to serve double duty occasionally. Wherever he ends up, it is important for Robinson to have adequate playing time to show how he can best contribute.

Orakpo’s absence has not only left a hole on the weak side, but has put added pressure on second year strong side linebacker Ryan Kerrigan who, despite struggling without his best foil, still leads the team in sacks with 4.5. Kerrigan is a guaranteed starter and, whether Jackson or Robinson ultimately proves the best fit at weak side, he needs a consistent force on the other side in order for him to continue to excel.

The troubles up front have only exacerbated the challenges we’re facing in the secondary. Our secondary has regressed beyond repair. Even without the losses of off-season acquisitions Tanard Jackson (suspended indefinitely) and Brandon Meriweather (most likely out through the bye), we have a serious lack of talent and size and an even less clear line of succession than in the front seven.

With DeAngelo Hall facing a suspension after his profanity-laden encounter with the refs on Sunday and Josh Wilson remaining somewhat inconsistent, rookie Richard Crawford should see more time on the field. Crawford got burned badly by Hawkins in the Bengals game, but our veteran CBs get beaten regularly, too, and Crawford has to be given a chance to learn from his mistakes. He has a few inches on both Hall and Wilson, should add more speed to the CB position and seems eager to learn.

We can only hope to see Meriweather back on the field soon where he can help bolster a dysfunctional safety corps, but, until we know that he is 100% healthy, we will need continued contributions  from all of our safeties, including second year DeJon Gomes and recent acquisition Jordan Pugh. Gomes had a stand out performance in New Orleans, but has seen reduced playing time in recent weeks. Pugh, a third year vet who has played both strong and free safety, struggled with injuries his first two seasons in the league. Both Gomes and Pugh need the opportunity to establish some consistency of play. If you give them the chance and they still can’t get it done, fine, but first let them try.

If our young offensive players are learning on the go, why shouldn’t our young defenders as well? We don’t have the RGIII of defense on our roster, but we do have potential talent and it needs to be nurtured. Whether you blame the coaches, the scheme, the players or all of the above, there is little to be done right now. A new coordinator will inherit the same issues, so we may as well start working through them. How much worse can it get?