Does Rob Jackson make Orakpo expendable?

[CTskins]

they were taken in the same draft... this is the first extended action we've seen from Jackson because of Orakpo.

What we see now, is a ball hawking OLB who can set a run edge and tackle in the open field as well as cover and remain disciplined in the zone... who's pass rush skills are a work in progress (Jackson).

What we've seen from the other guy (Orakpo) are that he can't catch a ball that hits him in the chest... he sucks in coverage... he can't make open field tackles... he is below average at setting the rush edge... but he can run a tackle up the field and sometimes he gets a sack to the tune of 9 or so a year.

Who's further along and who is the better total product?

This is what I've been trying to get into all of the "Orakpo is the best LB in the NFL" club's head for the last three months. Looks like there are still a few out there who can't hear me over how awesome Orakpo's performance against the Raiders was in 2009.

---------- Post added December-19th-2012 at 10:52 AM ----------



No doubt, it could work. I guess I'm more trying to say, "don't write him off if it doesn't work" just for the sake of keeping Orakpo. I see what you are saying and I agree. I just think the way I was coming across sounded worse because of where I was coming from... if that even makes sense ; )-

It's all good. This is the point of the message board.

[BobGriffin]

Consider that Orakpo's stats are for 16 games, not 12 correct? So yea, correlate Jackson's stats over 16 games instead of the 11 he's played in and I'm confident he will surpass those stats.

Those are Raks stats through 12 games

[DC9]

How do you figure all of this about Jackson? The guy averages less than 3 tackles a game and has only had 2 passes defended in the last 7 games. He is better than Orakpo in coverage, but neither of them are studs in that department.

Look at the stats, look at their games. Jackson never outplays Orakpo.

And another thing, no one doubles Jackson or holds him 3 times a game.

Um... you saw that LL posted that PFF has Jackson as the #1 rated OLB in terms of pass coverage in the NFL correct?

I also watch the games... you know what it looks like when a LB or DE sets "the edge" on a running play correct? If you don't... watch Rob Jackson do it when they run to his side. He strings it out or forces the cutback almost everytime.

Also, he's shown the ability to make tackles in the open field the last couple of games. Look at the tape, fool. Stats will get you in trouble sometimes. But hey, it's up to you what you want to do with it.

[mojo]

Those are Raks stats through 12 games

Ok. But why? He played the entire season.

[DC9]

Brian Orakpo 2011 though 12 games:
50 Tackles
7 Sacks
2 FF
5 Passes Defended

Rob Jackson 2012:
34 Tackles
4.5 Sacks
2 FF
5 Passes Defended
3 Ints

Keep in mind defenses gameplanned against Orakpo. What stats are you looking at?

Who cares? 2011? Orakpo already had 2 seasons of starting experience. This is Jackson first season of consistent starting experience. And he's getting better. Each game he gets better. Look at the tape! Who has had a bigger impact? Jackson in 2012 or Orakpo in 2011?

Why are you hating on a player just because he wasn't drafted in the first round?

[End2round2sanders]

First three seasons:

Demarcus Ware: 33.5 sacks
Terrell Suggs: 30.5
Brian Orakpo: 28.5

I'd say he's already in that class.

For further reference:

Jared Allen: 27.5
Clay Matthews: 29.5
Lamar Woodley: 29

Orakpo is doing just fine. Fans just seem to have unrealistic expectations of what an elite pass rusher is.

Thank you for these stats. It wouldn't make sense to get rid of an Orakpo whose a year younger that RJ. Not to mention we only have 24 sacks this season, which is pathetic, our pass rush besides for the Philly game has been a joke this year. Last year we had a respectable 40 sacks, which is I say should be the standard for a D in a season similar to throwing for over 4k or rushing for over 2k as a team on offense. RJ has great instincts and reminds me of a Kurt Gouviea or an Andre Collins be lets not commit a ton of money to an RJ who isn't going to sniff the pro bowl anytime soon and could be a one year wonder.

Being here in SD a few years ago when Shawne Merriman got hurt Jyles Tucker stepped up one season in 2008 and put up a RJ type season and had 5.5 sacks. Did nothing after they signed him a ridiculous contract.

[skinnyskins]

I don't think either of them are expendable. Having quality depth at every position is essential in this league and the talent behind Jackson isn't very deep with Wilson and Muckelroy. Jackson is cheap and has shown he can play. Orakpo's impact is huge when he is in there. Skins fans and this board in particular frustrate me because for years they complained about a lack of quality depth on our roster. Now that we are building young depth with players like Cousins and Jackson, they are eager to get rid of them. Let's bank what we have and stop being greedy by trading for picks.

[Alcoholic Zebra]

If Orakpo is one of the best edge rushers in the league, why doesn't he get more sacks? He wasn't even top 10 in 2011 or 2010. I'm not hating... I love him... but I'm just stating facts. Are you saying he creates pressure better than most?

In 2011 he had more total pressures than Demarcus Ware.

[skinzwiz]

Consider that Orakpo's stats are for 16 games, not 12 correct? So yea, correlate Jackson's stats over 16 games instead of the 11 he's played in and I'm confident he will surpass those stats.

No...re read what I posted. I post Orakpo's stats though 12 games.

[Alcoholic Zebra]

I hate trading a player in their prime too. But the fact is Rak is 1 dimensional and he's been hurt the last 2 years with the same injury. And his backup is making game changing plays. Hopefully we can keep both but if not, Shanny and Allen will have a tough decision.

1 dimensional? You MUST be joking. That's ridiculous. He's really good against the run.

[skinzwiz]

Who cares? 2011? Orakpo already had 2 seasons of starting experience. This is Jackson first season of consistent starting experience. And he's getting better. Each game he gets better. Look at the tape! Who has had a bigger impact? Jackson in 2012 or Orakpo in 2011?

Why are you hating on a player just because he wasn't drafted in the first round?

Okay well you don't want to go there. If we compare Orakpo's first year starting to Jackson's first year(this year), there is no comparison.

Who is hating? I never said I dislike what Jackson does. I think he is quality depth. It's just insane to say Jackson makes Orakpo expendable when every argument you make is rebutted with more convincing evidence.

---------- Post added December-19th-2012 at 12:31 PM ----------

1 dimensional? You MUST be joking. That's ridiculous. He's really good against the run.

Lol man I'm done. These people saying that Jackson is better make no sense.

They keep saying look at the stats. I posted the **** stats and it does not match what they are saying.

They say look at the games, but neglect to see that Orakpo has decided games simply from drawing holding penalties. Remember that Dallas game when the game literally was decided by Orakpo being held on a play Dallas scored to take the lead? Remember when Orakpo had a 4 sack game? We can go on and on with what he does that Jackson is not capable of, but at this point its like beating a dead horse.

And they say that liking Orakpo more than Jackson is pure emotion. Even when all logic says Orakpo is better. #Ironic

[Alcoholic Zebra]

Lol man I'm done. These people saying that Jackson is better make no sense.

They keep saying look at the stats. I posted the **** stats and it does not match what they are saying.

They say look at the games, but neglect to see that Orakpo has decided games simply from drawing holding penalties. Remember that Dallas game when the game literally was decided by Orakpo being held on a play Dallas scored to take the lead? Remember when Orakpo had a 4 sack game? We can go on and on with what he does that Jackson is not capable of, but at this point its like beating a dead horse.

And they say that liking Orakpo more than Jackson is pure emotion. Even when all logic says Orakpo is better. #Ironic

I don't know how people have such short term memory. Orakpo was kicking ass before he got hurt. Against the Saints he knocked down 3 passes at the line. In his very few plays against the Rams, he tore his pec while sacking Bradford and stripping the ball. In the other plays he was in, he dominated their LT.

And especially if you watch the games, you see a monstrous difference in terms of pressure. I'm starting to wonder if they even remember what Orakpo looks like, since they clearly don't remember how he plays.

[skinzwiz]

I don't know how people have such short term memory. Orakpo was kicking ass before he got hurt. Against the Saints he knocked down 3 passes at the line. In his very few plays against the Rams, he tore his pec while sacking Bradford and stripping the ball. In the other plays he was in, he dominated their LT.

And especially if you watch the games, you see a monstrous difference in terms of pressure. I'm starting to wonder if they even remember what Orakpo looks like, since they clearly don't remember how he plays.

Lol...I seriously think you're right about them forgetting what he looks like.

[pjfootballer]

People on this board are so keen on destroying the depth that we have been trying to build over the past couple of years. Is it a bad thing to have 3 quality pass rushers? Take a look at the Giants, come 3rd down they bring 4 "true" Defensive Ends to rush the passer. Once Orakpo comes back we have 3 pass rushers that have shown that they need to be accounted for, as they can consistently make plays.

If this season has taught us anything, defensively at least, is that depth is incredibly important. We have lost 3 maybe 4 starters (if you count Jackson), and our back-ups have stepped up to replace them. Say we trade Orakpo and next season Kerrigan or Jackson go down, who do we have to replace them? This is football, injuries are unavoidable.

One last thing that I have noticed about this year, CHEMISTRY. Shanny has finally gotten the right group of guys in that locker room, and they are all playing for each other right now. I say we keep this group together and let them grow as a TEAM under the leadership of our guy RG3. The future is as bright as I have ever seen in Washington. Let's build up the team that we have right now by adding complementary pieces rather than giving away our assets. HTTR.

Looks like people skipped your post. I thought this was a very good post, especially when making an analgy to the Giants and the way they rotate in fresh pass rushers.

[RWJ]

Big question is does Shanahan even entertain the idea of trading Orakpo in the offseason? If so, what will he be looking to get in return for him?