Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts

Yep, I saw that one...looked like a mini Randel El, going the wrong way.

Once you start going backwards as a punt returner, you usually stay backwards.

Redskins practice report: Aug. 6 | WashingtonExaminer.com (http://washingtonexaminer.com/redskins-practice-report-aug.-6/article/2504200)

RGIII Report: Aug. 6 | WashingtonExaminer.com (http://washingtonexaminer.com/rgiii-report-aug.-6/article/2504196)

Rich Campbell ‏@Rich_Campbell

Orakpo on diversifying his pass rush repertoire: I'm a physical guy. I'm not a technician. #Redskins



:doh:


Translation: I'm a one trick pony who's capped out on his max potential.





Update:

Orakpo backs off his stated desire to diversify pass rush arsenal - Washington Times (http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/redskins-watch/2012/aug/7/orakpo-backs-his-stated-desire-diversify-pass-rush/)

"I can’t divert from my game," he said Tuesday morning. "I’m a physical guy. I’m not a technician. I use a lot of my ability to get to the quarterback. I’m not going to go out there and try to fake some stuff and not really play my game.

Nothing wrong with being a power rusher, that's what he is. Better that he knows and understands his game rather than trying to be something he's not.

I'd like for him to diversify his arsenal, but if he's uncomfortable trying other things I'm not gonna expect him to. At least we have Kerrigan on the other side, he's got his own little arsenal too which will help.

I'd like for him to diversify his arsenal, but if he's uncomfortable trying other things I'm not gonna expect him to. At least we have Kerrigan on the other side, he's got his own little arsenal too which will help.

Kerrigan isn't much different from Orakpo. They both as more power rushers. Kerrigan has a non stop motor. Orakpo, not that he doesn't have a non stop motor, but he's more of a 'Where's the holding call?' kind of guy whether he is or isn't being held midway through the play, thats when he kind of half-ass's it, where as Kerrigan is still going after the QB just as fast as he was at the snap.

Nothing wrong with being a power rusher, that's what he is. Better that he knows and understands his game rather than trying to be something he's not.


I don't buy that crap. What he excels at doesn't mean he should limit himself to that, but that's exactly what he does. If he were to incorporate some finesse with his power, he would pretty much be unstoppable. As it is, it doesn't take too much to game plan around him because you know he is going to do one move and he's going to go wide. That's what separates the good (Orakpo) players with the great (Ware/Matthews).

Kerrigan isn't much different from Orakpo. They both as more power rushers. Kerrigan has a non stop motor. Orakpo, not that he doesn't have a non stop motor, but he's more of a 'Where's the holding call?' kind of guy whether he is or isn't being held midway through the play, thats when he kind of half-ass's it, where as Kerrigan is still going after the QB just as fast as he was at the snap.

Yeah but Kerrigan's also got a spin move that we saw a couple times last season, and he is also effective on the inside of the tackle whereas Rak only tries to bullrush the tackle or go around the outside, which is where he gets held at. I'm not saying Kerrigan's an elite pass rusher, but his arsenal has more moves than Rak's.

I don't buy that crap. What he excels at doesn't mean he should limit himself to that, but that's exactly what he does. If he were to incorporate some finesse with his power, he would pretty much be unstoppable. As it is, it doesn't take too much to game plan around him because you know he is going to do one move and he's going to go wide. That's what separates the good (Orakpo) players with the great (Ware/Matthews).

Well he did say he's working on other moves.

I think his point is at the end of the day his strength as a pass rusher comes from his physicality, and that's how he's going to continue to play.

Here is the quote and snap analysis form Campbell

Obviously, there’s some stuff I would like to work on, some counter moves and stuff like that to get some more sacks, some more pressures. But at the end of the day, I’m not going to divert from my game. I’m a physical pass rusher, and I like to get into tackles, and I like to get after it."

So that's a bit vexing. The interesting thing is that Orakpo has continued to try inside moves and moves involving misdirection during training camp. That leaves us a bit unsure of what we'll see in games.

Orakpo likes to rush based on feel and reaction, not a predetermined move, so it's possible he'll get into game action and use some of the newer moves he's been working on. Given his mixed comments on the subject, we'll just have wait and see.

There is nothing wrong in playing to his strengths - physicality and speed. It just a question of how to diversify while doing so. I think he is simply saying - "I have to be true to myself and trying use specific 'moves' for the sake of using moves isn't my strength."

For example - different styles work for different folks. I do my job in a diversified way - lots of different ways to get from A -> C in the court room. However, at 6'2", 270 lbs., with a shaved head and voice that has a naturally built in megaphone - the quiet, introspective lawyer approach would appear fake to a jury and is simply not the way for me to go. I know this and make sure that, however I present, it remains true to my natural abilities, etc. (I'm brilliant in so many other ways).

Misdirection and counters can be done with physicality and strength. To me, from what he is saying and doing in practice, it seems to me that Rak is simply trying to find ways that allow him to less predictable but, at the same time, don't require him to "be someone else" when he rushes the passer.

R. White developed his "trade-mark" swim move b/c it worked for him. It fit White's abilities and his style of play. White did other moves, but they all came from his power and less from his speed. The man was a bull rusher first and foremost and his swim and spins worked from that. Rak's physicality is different (White=pure overwhelming power; Rak=power/speed) from that of White's so a "Patented R.White" swim move may not be what works for him - that doesn't mean he isn't looking to develop (as R.White did) things that play to his strengths and help him be a better pass rusher.

At least, that's what I am hoping Rak is saying.

Let's wait and see what he comes up with.