The recognition may not always be there, but the job always gets done.
That's the way it goes for many NFL players each season, including numerous Redskins players whose value to the team is underestimated at times.
Here's a look at three Redskins players whose play is sometimes underrated by fans and media alike:
-- LORENZO ALEXANDER, LB
The "One Man Gang" was a rock defensively for the Redskins last season, yet Alexander still did not get the full league-wide recognition he deserved.
Alexander was a regular starter at outside linebacker and a special teams standout last season.
With the addition of 2011 first-round draft pick Ryan Kerrigan to the roster, Alexander will once again compete for playing time on the Redskins' defense,
Alexander has played six positions (defensive end, defensive tackle, linebacker, tight end, guard and fullback) during his five-year NFL career. He could see action at a seventh position -- inside linebacker -- depending on how coaches want to use him in 2011.
Last season, Alexander accounted for 62 tackles, eighth-best on the defense, as well as one forced fumble and 17 quarterback hurries.
More impressive, though, is Alexander's lead-by-example attitude as a special teams captain. He led special teams with 20 total tackles and forced one fumble.
His was overshadowed by others on defense, but his ability to use his versatility to benefit the team was definitely underestimated last season.
-- ADAM CARRIKER, DE
In his first season with the Redskins, Carriker was solid on the defensive line. He improved each game and was a strong presence in the latter half of the season.
Carriker's 54 tackles last year were the most he has had in any NFL season. Playing on a defense led by such standouts as London Fletcher, DeAngelo Hall and Brian Orakpo, it was easy to overlook Carriker's impact.
That's what other teams did, though. And Carriker began reaping the benefits.
The 13th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, Carriker still seemed to fly under the radar in his first year in Washington. He was playing full speed again after missing the 2009 season due to a shoulder injury.
Considering his work ethic, Carriker has a chance to shine in 2011 and could become one of the better-recognized Redskin defenders.
-- MIKE SELLERS, FB
Always regarded as a dominant blocker, Sellers proved last season he could be consistent as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Though he is technically a fullback, his play seems more attuned to that of a tight end.
Overall, Sellers caught a career-high 20 passes for 264 yards last season. Since 2006, Sellers has increased his yards-per-catch average from 5.8 to 11.2 last season.
What catches the eyes of many who watch him game-in and game-out is his leaping ability. At 6-3 and 268 pounds, it's uncommon to see players that size consistently using defensive players as hurdles to get into the open field to make big plays -- yet Sellers makes a habit of doing just that.
Sellers is a hard-nosed player whose impact goes beyond the box score. His 16 total tackles on special teams was tied for third on the team and he also logged a forced fumble on a kick return last season.
