[HTTR]

We should be able to critique (positive and negative) a player's performance, demeanor, and leadership skills without being called haters. We all agree that KC turned out to be the true NFL starter as between him and RG3. (And don't think he didn't know it and developed a little chip on his shoulder -- that's the mark of a competitor.)

But here we are, facing another decision point, trying to understand what our FO thinks and plans to do. It's a great discussion. Personally, I'm in the try to sign him at 20m camp, understanding that it might take 22-23. Easy to say, but what if he demands 26? That's the crux of this argument.

That 20-22 range says that there are legitimate reservations about KC, and those of you who say "trust the front office" on a whole range of personnel matters should also trust them here. They have some concerns about signing him at 25-27, and so should we. That doesn't make them or us haters.

Here are my concerns. I have no idea whether this is what the FO is thinking.

His skills as a QB, which are top notch, are not matched by that intangible passion-driven thing that the elite QBs have. KIrk was having a much better year than Cam when we played the Panthers. But Cam, even dinged, willed himself to a great performance while Kirk was so-so. Cam is anything but a "consummate professional," but I want Kirk to have some of what Cam has.

If you listen to Kirk's interviews on Grant and Danny after games, he is oddly dispassionate. I have always liked this about him -- he keeps his cool, he doesn't whine about other players, doesn't get down on himself, etc. But when you think about this in terms of leadership disposition, my radar is catching a little static. I wouldn't care about this much for any position other than QB.

This doesn't mean he isn't a worthy franchise QB. But it should concern us that the most important guy on the team, the biggest cap hit on the team, however talented, may not have that "FU, I'm taking this game over" in his gut. Garçon showed this on Sunday. Kirk did not.

I'm not a Kirk hater. But I'm old enough to remember legions of less talented Skins who thrived in the spotlight. Kirk's stats show that he has the talent, no argument there. I don't know if he has the steel to be truly elite. I'm willing to pay to find out -- the viable options are bleak -- but let's admit the risks involved.