The Redskins elected team captains for a reason.

This is it.

Amid a week of scrutiny following their 19-14 loss to the Detroit Lions last Sunday, the Redskins are being criticized from every angle.

First step to making sure the team remains unified is for leaders to step forward.

The Redskins' six team captains are Jason Campbell, Chris Samuels, Cornelius Griffin, London Fletcher, Rock Cartwright and Mike Sellers.

Players vote for team captains during the preseason. Campbell and Samuels represent the offense, Griffin and Fletcher represent the defense and Cartwright and Sellers represent special teams.

This week, Campbell has spent time talking with teammates, getting a feel for their morale, and offering words of encouragement.

"As captains, we try to inspire guys," he said. "When we play on Sunday, we have to play with a sense of urgency, a sense of excitement and a sense of fun. When you make a play, have some fun. I think that has been missing."

Fletcher said he is working to maintain a positive attitude among teammates and a positive atmosphere at Redskins Park.

"I think we need to get guys to stay together," Fletcher said. "We have to understand that it's just three games into the season. It's still early, but we cannot allow a snowball effect to take place where one loss ends up being two, and then three. And then the next thing you know everything is out of control.

"We definitely need to continue to have great focus and not allow any negativity to creep in amongst us."

Last week, the team captains gathered for the annual Captains photo shoot. They all agreed to wear dark suits for the photo.

The picture, photographed by team photographer Ned Dishman, is put in a frame and hangs just outside the team's locker room at Redskins Park.