Orakpo is Open to Change

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by The Goat

I disagree (sort of) w/ your take on Blache's comments from last year. Marcus wasn't a standout at any point last season (though he did post 8 tackles in the only game i saw live @ Fed Ex), but I think what you noticed, and what coach referred to, is when Marcus doesn't play teams have more success running to the strong side. While his ability has diminished some Marcus knows the system and the position better than anyone we currently have the roster. His difficulty in coverage could be mitigated by 1) better pressure up front 2) better coverage behind him (Horton so far hasn't really learned to cover well)

...bottom line I think MW will be better at SLB than anyone on our roster and i bet Blache feels the same way. But Marcus has several things working against him. The FO has gotten very stingy, and smart, w/ veterans taking up cap space. The roster is pretty full w/ talent already as in we probably carry extra d-line and o-line guys into the season. And finally, pride is working against him more than anything probably. Pride effs w/ our head and decision-making. He should re-sign for vet min cuz it's gonna be the best damn defense he'll ever be part of...and yeah he'd start.

I agree. And as I've said, of course he's not as good as his first 2 years here, but he was pretty damn good, and even losing a step he's still better than what we have. I still think he gets a lot of the blame for the Witten TD when Horton failed to come over the top like he was suppose to. Rookie mistake. If Marcus can only play 6 or 7 games a year than I don't want him. I'm just not convinced that's the case. But to think that we have better Strongside LB's on this team and Marcus is the only player who has had injuries is ridiculous. We are pretty much counting on some of our starters to recover from injuries aren't we? I think he could make a very real contibution to this team.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

I agree. And as I've said, of course he's not as good as his first 2 years here, but he was pretty damn good, and even losing a step he's still better than what we have. I still think he gets a lot of the blame for the Witten TD when Horton failed to come over the top like he was suppose to. Rookie mistake. If Marcus can only play 6 or 7 games a year than I don't want him. I'm just not convinced that's the case. But to think that we have better Strongside LB's on this team and Marcus is the only player who has had injuries is ridiculous. We are pretty much counting on some of our starters to recover from injuries aren't we? I think he could make a very real contibution to this team.

I get what you're saying. I really do. He is better than what we have right now, but is it worth holding a roster spot at a position of need for a guy who is only able to get on the field about half the time, and is gimpy more often than not? You say if Marcus can only play 6 or 7 games then you don't want him. Well, he's missed 13 the past two years. So if he can play around 9 games, do you want him?

The starters we are counting on who are coming off injuries/surgeries aren't dealing with chronic problems though. A torn tricep (Samuels) for example, is not the same thing as a recurring, possibly degenerative lower body issue.

His hip is only going to get worse as time goes on, and he's on the wrong side of 30. I dunno man. I know you adore the guy, but I'm just not sure how much he can help us anymore.

Seriously 53, if he's the starting caliber, "pretty damn good" player you think he still is, then why haven't any other teams shown interest? Surely if was still a starting caliber player, someone would have made a play for him.

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by GMScud

I get what you're saying. I really do. He is better than what we have right now, but is it worth holding a roster spot at a position of need for a guy who is only able to get on the field about half the time, and is gimpy more often than not? You say if Marcus can only play 6 or 7 games then you don't want him. Well, he's missed 13 the past two years. So if he can play around 9 games, do you want him?

The starters we are counting on who are coming off injuries/surgeries aren't dealing with chronic problems though. A torn tricep (Samuels) for example, is not the same thing as a recurring, possibly degenerative lower body issue.

His hip is only going to get worse as time goes on, and he's on the wrong side of 30. I dunno man. I know you adore the guy, but I'm just not sure how much he can help us anymore.

Seriously 53, if he's the starting caliber, "pretty damn good" player you think he still is, then why haven't any other teams shown interest? Surely if was still a starting caliber player, someone would have made a play for him.

Look GMScud. I'm not Blindly in love with the guy. Other teams probably haven't shown a lot of interest for the same reasons you have doubts. And he's probably more valuable to us because he knows what is expected of him here. But if you look at my last post, he stats weren't horrible even part time. Maybe he can't cut it anymore, but I don't think you can just say that at this point. He has an offer. If it's still on the table, I'd like to see him take it. It wouldn't cost us much and I still think he can make a difference. I honestly believe, if healthy, he's the best option we have at SAM. If he signs, check him out in camp and if he's not healthy enough to play....cut him.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

Look GMScud. I'm not Blindly in love with the guy. Other teams probably haven't shown a lot of interest for the same reasons you have doubts. And he's probably more valuable to us because he knows what is expected of him here. But if you look at my last post, he stats weren't horrible even part time. Maybe he can't cut it anymore, but I don't think you can just say that at this point. He has an offer. If it's still on the table, I'd like to see him take it. It wouldn't cost us much and I still think he can make a difference. I honestly believe, if healthy, he's the best option we have at SAM. If he signs, check him out in camp and if he's not healthy enough to play....cut him.

It's cool and the gang. I agree with this post for sure.

I guess this would be an appropriate time to ask when/why Marcus became such a favorite of yours?

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by GMScud

It's cool and the gang. I agree with this post for sure.

I guess this would be an appropriate time to ask when/why Marcus became such a favorite of yours?

LB is my favorite position and I just like the way he plays. He gets me pretty psyched. Plus he's funny as hell. Nice discussion GMScud.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

LB is my favorite position and I just like the way he plays. He gets me pretty psyched. Plus he's funny as hell. Nice discussion GMScud.

I do miss him and Sean bouncing around on the field while waiting for the opponent to break the huddle.

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by GMScud

I do miss him and Sean bouncing around on the field while waiting for the opponent to break the huddle.

Yeah man. I've read a couple of good stories about him and Sean. I think they were pretty close. ST was MW's favorite player.

[skins89moss]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

LB is my favorite position and I just like the way he plays. He gets me pretty psyched. Plus he's funny as hell. Nice discussion GMScud.

How about giving Lavar Arrington a try out at SLB.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by GMScud

It's cool and the gang. I agree with this post for sure.

I guess this would be an appropriate time to ask when/why Marcus became such a favorite of yours?

Sorry, I couldn't help it.