A little this and that for a Tuesday:
Orakpo’s status: Jay Gruden made it clear at the owners meetings in March that he’s content letting Brian Orakpo play out this season on a one-year deal courtesy of the franchise tag. And, barring Orakpo signing an extension by Tuesday’s deadline, it appears that will be the case. Again, given Gruden’s comments, this is not a surprise. There was a split opinion in the organization as to whether they should even give Orakpo the franchise tag. Orakpo doesn’t appear worried over his situation. He’s always been confident in who he is as a player and the interest he’d command on the market. Still, the Redskins would like to see more big plays from him – a few more sacks, game-changing turnovers. They added more pass-rush help and have better coaching in this area, moves that Orakpo loves. It’s set up for him to play better. And if he does, the Redskins will have to find a way to keep him. They spent the offseason focused on improving the pass rush. If it finally generates heat, you don’t change things. When they drafted Trent Murphy, one member of the organization said it was not a foregone conclusion that he would replace Orakpo in 2015, that there was a way they would keep all three together (including Ryan Kerrigan).
Nickname poll: The Redskins’ nickname remains popular in New Mexico, according to a poll conducted by the Albuquerque Journal. In the poll, 71 percent of the respondents said they favored the team keeping the nickname with 18 percent in favor of them changing it and 11 percent undecided. The poll was conducted on July 10 of 557 registered voters throughout the state. Apparently the breakdown didn’t change much among Hispanics, Anglos or Native Americans.
Peterson defends stance: A day after U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said on ABC’s “This Week,” that the nickname should be changed, Fairfax State Sen. Chap Peterson (D) defended his stance in a series of emails with Washington Post reporter Tom Jackman. Why do it? Peterson told Jackman, “ I’m trying to bring some balance to the debate, especially in light of the one-sided portrayal of this issue in the media.”
Safety talk: The Redskins still haven’t signed another safety after losing Tanard Jackson to a suspension, but that, too, is not a surprise. The Washington Post’s Mike Jones tweeted they wouldn’t necessarily add one. They’re intrigued by some of their young safeties, including Akeem Davis (an undrafted player in 2013 who was not on anyone’s roster last year). I'm not sure if Davis makes it, but they at least are anxious to see more. Even before Jackson returned, the word was that they felt better about their safety position than many others did. The question is: Do they have five safeties who will end up worthy of a roster spot? We’ll start to learn that answer next week, but I’m skeptical on this one. Of course, they could always go with four safeties and keep one on the practice squad to develop just in case.
