Are you buying into the Shanaplan?

[REDSKINS4ever]

Originally Posted by The Goat

Rob Jackson instincts/football IQ might be better than Orakpo's. That seemed impossible at the beginning of the season. Jackson isn't a physical freak but could eventually be the better overall player. I'd keep them both still and switch them up. Time to push Orakpo anyway.

I agree that Jackson is a phenomenal player but Orakpo is still the better pass rusher. Until Jackson makes a couple of trips to the pro bowl, he's not in Orakpo's class just yet.

[Defensewins]

Originally Posted by REDSKINS4ever

I agree that Jackson is a phenomenal player but Orakpo is still the better pass rusher. Until Jackson makes a couple of trips to the pro bowl, he's not in Orakpo's class just yet.

There is so much more to LB position than pass rush. Unfortunately the sack stats is what gets all of the attention, big contracts and accolades. I would much rather have a LB with great instinct, solid against the run and pass coverage than a one trick pony LB that is only good at pass rush.
I think at times Orakpo is a liability.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by Defensewins

There is so much more to LB position than pass rush. Unfortunately the sack stats is what gets all of the attention, big contracts and accolades. I would much rather have a LB with great instinct, solid against the run and pass coverage than a one trick pony LB that is only good at pass rush.
I think at times Orakpo is a liability.

In the 3-4 your outside LBs are your main pass rushers, so they better be good or your D will suffer, as we've seen.

I think Rak is more solid overall than some give him credit for. He's come a long way.

[REDSKINS4ever]

Originally Posted by Defensewins

There is so much more to LB position than pass rush. Unfortunately the sack stats is what gets all of the attention, big contracts and accolades. I would much rather have a LB with great instinct, solid against the run and pass coverage than a one trick pony LB that is only good at pass rush.
I think at times Orakpo is a liability.

Perhaps there is a bit of truth in what you say. I think Jackson can probably cover better than Orakpo. He can also get to the QB just as ferociously. People tend to forget that both of these men are natural DEs so they both are impressive linebackers. While Orakpo is the slightly better pass rusher of the two, he still needs to work on his coverage skills come next season.