Orakpo’s Production Not Matching Potential
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By DERON SNYDER
There can be a thin line between reasons and excuses, between explanations and rationalizations. But in many respects, either you get something done or you don’t, regardless of what else transpires.
When it comes to sacking opposing quarterbacks, Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo hasn’t been getting it done, at least not at the level anticipated after his 11 sacks as a rookie in 2009.
Only six NFL players had more sacks that season. Then-teammate Andre Carter and the Dallas Cowboys‘ DeMarcus Ware each had 11 to tie Orakpo, who made his first Pro Bowl appearance. Orakpo reached the Pro Bowl again in 2010, even though his sack total dropped to 8.5.
Perhaps the decline could be written off as a sophomore slump. Or the league making adjustments. Or Orakpo simply having a bad year. He still made impact plays without reaching the quarterback, such as drawing a holding penalty that negated the game-tying touchdown as time expired in the season-opener against Dallas.
Then the Redskins drafted Ryan Kerrigan in 2011 as a bookend outside linebacker to bring pressure from sides. That was supposed to free up Orakpo for more sacks and it worked:
He upped his total by a half-sack to nine.
