Lotus
08-31-2009, 05:43 PM
We drafted two linebackers. The reason he is out there is because he can handle it. You think the Redskins are better with Andre Carter on the bench the whole game? I have wondered why they haven't let Carter play some LB but it really doesn't matter.
Orakpo will be fine at LB and gets better at LB with every snap. I have been thinking how we will cover Witten. We may not have an answer at the moment but what team does?
San Fran tried that and it turned out that he was better with his hand down.
JLW428
08-31-2009, 05:48 PM
I think Orakpo could be a decent LB but it is clear that his true tallent shines when he is on the line pass rushing.
Pocket$ $traight
08-31-2009, 06:08 PM
San Fran tried that and it turned out that he was better with his hand down.
I know, just like Orakpo is better with his hand down. I guess the dropoff from Orakpo to Carter on the line is less then Carter to Orakpo as LB.
Btw. I predict Carter and ARE gone next year. Orakpo probably won't have to play LB after this year and between Kelly, Thomas and M&M we can dump that hideous contract.
GMScud
08-31-2009, 06:35 PM
You know what I'm saying? I actually thing he's pretty good at sniffing out a run and going after the ball carrier. He's a pretty strong fella too and you can't simply push him around like any other tweener type DE.
No kidding. During the Steelers game I rewound that play over and over when he bull rushed #66 and had him airborne. Dude outweighs Rak by about 50 lbs and he just straight rag-dolled him. He's got some serious power. I think he'll be fine against the run.
mooby
08-31-2009, 06:56 PM
Honestly I think the reason the Skins are playing Orakpo at both linebacker and DE is to cover two holes with one player. I think next offseason they'll go after a LOLB to play that spot full time and then move Orakpo to DE full time, and keep Orakpo listed as a backup at olb if the starter gets injured or something. I think they might not have enough confidence in the backup guys we have playing OLB to insert one of them in there as the full time starter.
For now though the plan is to play Orakpo at outside linebacker on rushing downs and play him at defensive end on third downs. Then he can learn the best of both positions while also getting enough pt at DE to play that full time next season.
Or I could be wrong and they think he'll really be a standout outside linebacker/pass rusher.
Lotus
08-31-2009, 07:31 PM
Hey Guys I watch your game this week and I still don't get why your team is trying to move him to OLB in the 4-3. Orakpo looked good when he was playing as a down lineman but looked completely lost when he was used as a LB specially in coverage.
Why draft a Player with HUGE pass rushing skills and use him as a cover LB... why not draft a LB then.
You forget that when he blitzes from the linebacker position, he likely will have a running back or tight end blocking him, which is a huge advantage for Rak. In this Rak's scenario is much like another rusher who also sometimes plays in coverage who you may have heard of: DeMarcus Ware.
saden1
08-31-2009, 07:44 PM
No kidding. During the Steelers game I rewound that play over and over when he bull rushed #66 and had him airborne. Dude outweighs Rak by about 50 lbs and he just straight rag-dolled him. He's got some serious power. I think he'll be fine against the run.
I believe he had 19 tackles for a loss as a senior which isn't an easy feet.
diehard
08-31-2009, 10:26 PM
Hey Guys I watch your game this week and I still don't get why your team is trying to move him to OLB in the 4-3. Orakpo looked good when he was playing as a down lineman but looked completely lost when he was used as a LB specially in coverage.
Why draft a Player with HUGE pass rushing skills and use him as a cover LB... why not draft a LB then.
Ware can't cover either. Now what?
DBUCHANON101
08-31-2009, 10:30 PM
IMO as a DE on the passrush he would be limited except for an occasional stunt. As a OLB he can move around and get more favorable matchups on the rush. ie being blocked by TE's and backs instead of OT's.
SmootSmack
08-31-2009, 10:31 PM
It's not unprecedented to take a pass-rushing DE out of college and see him have a great career as a linebacker.
For example, the NCAA all-time sacks leader who played DE at college and just retired after over 12 years as a linebacker (http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=playerbio&bio=153)
Agree with saden though, he needs to be on the field as often as possible. No matter what position he plays