Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Cowboys at Redskins)

[MTK]

Originally Posted by #56fanatic

wow. am i the only one that thinks this is really harsh assessment of Orakpo?? THe guy has been really really good over the last couple of years. I dont think he is playing horrible this year. Do you know think that Kerrigan may be taking away some of his sack numbers? I just think as a whole our D line is better as a whole as well, which may have taken a couple sacks away from him. I didn't see him getting mushed all day. He got pressure, made some plays. On the TD late in the game, he was visibly held that should have been called. Still dont understand how the ref missed that when he was 5 yards away. He was basically pulling him down by the neck of his jersey. anyway, I think bashing Orakpo or calling him out is a little nit picky

Agreed 110%. Especially with all of our other problems to consider, and we're sitting here picking apart one of our better players.

[REDSKINS4ever]

Brian Orakpo is a beast. He can play defensive end in a 4-3 or OLB in a 3-4. He's a phenom. While I expected more sacks out of him after ten games, I still see his effectiveness in the defense and his ability to make the offense account for him on every play. When Orakpo goes in for a sure sack, he never tries to strip the ball. He just goes for the sack like when he sacked Cam Newton but didn't go for the strip. The great ones like Lawrence Taylor, Wilbur Marshall, and Derrick Thomas all went for the strip and got sacks as well created turnovers. Orakpo must learn to do this.

[JoeRedskin]

I think it is obvious that, when it comes to sheer athleticism, Rak is a cut above Kerrigan. On top of that, he seems to have the same non-stop motor and desire that is touted in Kerrigan.

Which is why it seems both surprising and slightly disappointing that Rak is not dominant. He clearly has the physical ability to be and he clearly has the desire to be. Maybe it is just offenses catching up to Rak's game a little, maybe it's just he doesn't have a complete D around him (improved - but still with holes).

Don't get me wrong, even if he stays at his current level, I think he and Kerrigan are great bookends for the future. I just don't see Kerrigan ever being game changing dominant (Beastly, great, really good? All the things Orakpo is now? Yup). On the other hand, I think Orakpo has the physical ability to be a player other teams must game plan for and who then blows up their plans for him. I truly hope he gets to that level and he may well do so - I mean he is only in his 3rd year. Right now, however, he's merely a very very good player.

I am not Rak bashing, I think he is one of the best players on the team, possibly THE best, and would be one of the top players on his team no matter who he played for. I just want him to be the guy who destroys the opposition.

I long for the day when we can say "Release the KerRakpo!!" and other teams f'ing pee themselves.

[NC_Skins]

NC Skins asks:

What's been the difference between playing with a guy like DeMarcus Ware compared to a guy like Brian Orakpo? How do they differ in playing styles?

Brian is more of a physical pass rusher. He is very strong at the point of attack. He tries to beat people with brute force. DeMarcus you don’t really know how he is going to beat you- he can beat you with speed, fitness, or go right through you. Both are amazing players.

Read what Bowen says in his answer to my question. One is strictly power, the other is all three. Probably answers why LTs can prepare better for Orakpo because he's only bringing one move.

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by NC_Skins

Read what Bowen says in his answer to my question. One is strictly power, the other is all three. Probably answers why LTs can prepare better for Orakpo because he's only bringing one move.

sums it up well, if he wants to be an elite rusher he's got to expand his repertoire. I remember Haslett or one of the coaches last year talking about him needing to learn to use his hands to keep tackles from holding him. That's still the case.

[Bucket]

The Whitten TD was on Riley, but I don't expect Riley to cover Whitten for that long.

The Bryant TD was on Hall and Otagwe. Otagwe was having a bagel and was waaayyyy late on his deep third protection

[over the mountain]

Would witten have scored that TD if landry was on the field?

Yes or No.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by over the mountain

Would witten have scored that TD if landry was on the field?

Yes or No.

I doubt it would have made a difference because it was a total breakdown in coverage. Maybe Landry could have stopped him, since he's bigger than our CBs...but Witten caught that ball in stride and just took off.

[over the mountain]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

I doubt it would have made a difference because it was a total breakdown in coverage. Maybe Landry could have stopped him, since he's bigger than our CBs...but Witten caught that ball in stride and just took off.

yeah thats what im thinking to. Witten would have still made the catch but i dont think he runs for his longest TD ever if landry is on the field . . unless landry was in the box near the LOS . .

[CrazyCanuck]

Originally Posted by SOUL-SKINS

Where are all of the Gano supporters????

Right here!!

I think all the Gano bashers have gone a little loco. Let's see... he missed a 49-yrdr and a 52-yrdr... WHO CARES?? HE DID US A FAVOR. Why don't we wait 'til he blows a meaningful game before we run him outta town.

He kicks the ball thru the end zone every time and has proven he can hit FGs up to 60 yards. In exchange he's likely to miss 1 FG per game. I'll take it.

In past years we wouldn't even attempt a 52-yarder and if we did the kick would land on the 2 yard line.

Stay the course. Stay with...

GANO

[NC_Skins]

Originally Posted by CrazyCanuck

Right here!!

I think all the Gano bashers have gone a little loco. Let's see... he missed a 49-yrdr and a 52-yrdr... WHO CARES?? HE DID US A FAVOR. Why don't we wait 'til he blows a meaningful game before we run him outta town.

He kicks the ball thru the end zone every time and has proven he can hit FGs up to 60 yards. In exchange he's likely to miss 1 FG per game. I'll take it.

In past years we wouldn't even attempt a 52-yarder and if we did the kick would land on the 2 yard line.

Stay the course. Stay with...

GANO

He's currently ranked #31 out of 34 kickers. What's your response to that? Sounds pretty shitty to me. Not saying we should cut or get rid of him at this particular time.

[Hog1]

Originally Posted by CrazyCanuck

Right here!!

I think all the Gano bashers have gone a little loco. Let's see... he missed a 49-yrdr and a 52-yrdr... WHO CARES?? HE DID US A FAVOR. Why don't we wait 'til he blows a meaningful game before we run him outta town.

He kicks the ball thru the end zone every time and has proven he can hit FGs up to 60 yards. In exchange he's likely to miss 1 FG per game. I'll take it.

In past years we wouldn't even attempt a 52-yarder and if we did the kick would land on the 2 yard line.

Stay the course. Stay with...

GANO

Ahhh.......the voice of reason...
That has no place here!

[skinsfaninok]

Gano is a Horrible kicker and has been, You could never ever trust him in a clutch situation again..

Yeah he has a 59 yard kick which is amazing but it wasn't during a tied game we were down by what ? 10-13?

[mooby]

Originally Posted by skinsfaninok

Gano is a Horrible kicker and has been, You could never ever trust him in a clutch situation again..

Whoa that's a little harsh. One missed OT 52 yard field goal and now we're talking about never trusting him to make a clutch kick again? He's made game winners in the past too.

[skinsfaninok]

Originally Posted by mooby

Whoa that's a little harsh. One missed OT 52 yard field goal and now we're talking about never trusting him to make a clutch kick again? He's made game winners in the past too.

Just very irritating man