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Brian Orakpo not only hosts the "The Brian Orakpo Leukemia Golf Classic" presented by Omnitec Solutions, INC for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org) golf event,  but he has immersed himself in truly being a key figure of an outstanding organization dedicated to fighting blood cancers.

The Redskins outside linebacker, recovering from a 2nd surgical procedure to his pectoral muscle, took over the event from Jason Campbell a few years ago and as the sign at the very top of the golf course would tell you, this is more than just about good publicity or just lending his name.

The sign - a very nice gesture and tribute from a grieving family who just recently lost their son, Brendan Kelly - reads "In Memory of Brendan Kelly - From The Entire Kelly Family....Thank You. Brian!!"

The sign has a picture of Orakpo and young Brendan in happier moments, but you can tell that the two developed a strong connection. In addition to honoring Brendan's legacy, Orakpo and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (@LLSNatCap) honored another "Patient Hero" named Tyler. Tyler, a 12 year old young man who has been fighting acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) since November of 2011.

Orakpo is clearly all-in for a organization that does so much good for so many people. He's also on-board for an organization that drafted him and now sits a year away (maybe less?) from deciding if they want to make it a long term relationship.

I've covered Orakpo since he was a rookie and it's hard to fathom how quickly his first four years have gone, and yet how long the road to success (for everyone) sometimes has been. One thing is for sure, Orakpo has always been determined. He is a consummate professional who works hard at his craft, without any drama.

Sometimes that quality is underrated by fans and even media, but it is extremely important to note because the norm is for great athletes to have something about them that rub people the wrong way. I might be missing something, but I can't think of anything that Orakpo has done in that regard.

Sure, he has been knocked for not having a monster breakout season, and that is for the most part understandable. Right now, the most important issue is Orakpo proving to himself & the Redskins management team that he can stay healthy.

On Monday, the new Dad of little Brianna spent time with the media assembled and Orakpo was very adamant that he is healthy and ready to show that the two pectoral tears and an incident in a preseason game in Chicago was just a couple of "freak" occurrences as he called it.

"I shouldn't have no setbacks come OTA's. I can't say how much even better I feel this year from where I was at this point last year....I'm ready to go."

The natural question is why would Orakpo be any different than any other recovering athlete or even his situation from last off-season, which was similar?  "It feels differently because I'm not having any aches or pains. I'm not having any sort of discomfort, post surgery. That's the great thing about it."

Clearly that was a problem last year at this time that continued into training camp before initially giving way in Chicago in the preseason, and then in a completely different area in Week 2 at St. Louis.

Either way, Orakpo knows going into the final year of his initial rookie contract that staying healthy (freak injury or not) is important and if he can do that, along with putting up monster numbers - he will heavily increase his chances of being a "Redskin for life" as he termed it, when I asked him about his pending contract situation.

As of this point, if I am being completely honest - I don't know if the Redskins could afford to make a long term commitment to Orakpo if they had to make that decision today.  Luckily for Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen, they do not have to make that decision right now or really anytime soon. They might not even have to make that decision next year, as they simply could use the franchise tag.

A franchise tag designation for an outside linebacker in 2012, cost 10.6 million per multiple reports. In 2011, the franchise tag for outside linebackers was a reported 8.8 million. It is possible that the tag price for 2014 could rise to over 11.5 million.

If Orakpo stays healthy for 16 plus games and puts up 10 plus sacks, while continuing to improve in his run defense and pass drops -along with a couple of forced turnovers (interceptions or forced fumbles), that would have to be worth at least 10 million dollars per year in my eyes.

Is that realistic? Of course it is. Players with Orakpo's talent and work ethic usually get better year after year, until their body starts to fail them. I personally don't feel that Orakpo's body is breaking down, but even the most optimistic supporter would have to admit that it is a issue that needs to be monitored.

Let's look at the numbers to see where we are and what is realistic. Orakpo had 11 sacks on an awful team as a rookie, including 4 in one game against a brutal Oakland Raiders team. He had 50 combined tackles and one forced fumble in 2009.

In 2010 (Mike Shanahan's first year) and after transitioning to a 3-4 defense, Orakpo put up 8.5 sacks and 1 forced fumble in 15 games. He had 56 combined tackles.

With Ryan Kerrigan as a first round pick, and helping deter some of the blocking attention, Orakpo racked up 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He had a career high 59 combined tackles and 5 passes defensed, which was one more than his combined first two years total. Orakpo was hurt before halftime of the Redskins final game of the season, with the pectoral injury.

In one game plus (and not very much of a 2nd), Orakpo had a full sack and a forced fumble  in St. Louis along with 3 passes defensed. It stands to reason that 2012 would have been the 'breakout' year that everybody was hoping for with Kerrigan now comfortable in the systemand with Orakpo in year number three of Jim Haslett's defense.

Orakpo, a two-time Pro Bowler probably would not have reached the levels of J.J. Watt (20.5 sacks) or Aldon Smith (19.5 sacks) or Von Miller (18.5 sacks) but is it fair to say he could have reached what Cameron Wake from Miami did (15 sacks) or Clay Matthews of Green Bay who reached 13 sacks in just 12 games? I think that is more than a fair assumption, and it would have put Orakpo in the top five of the league as  Wake was fourth overall with Matthews coming in 5th.

Matthews might be the easiest comparison in terms of production and value for Orakpo. Matthews has 42.5 career sacks in 58 games, with 55 starts. He does have 4 interceptions, with two returned for touchdowns and 7 forced fumbles. Throw in three fumble recoveries, another touchdown and an unofficial total of 203 combined tackles along with 22 passes defensed.

Orakpo in 49 career games, has 30 sacks with no interceptions, six forced fumbles, 12 passes defensed and 171 combined tackles unofficially.

Clearly, Matthews has been more productive and has already helped his team win a championship despite being selected 26th overall by the Packers in the 2009 draft. Orakpo was the number 13 overall pick the same year.

Remember though that Matthews had an enormously better supporting cast and a franchise that was already poised to win. Orakpo didn't get to play with Charles Woodson in his prime, or a very talented Cullen Jenkins and many others that contributed to Green Bay's defensive success. Matthews also was drafted by an organization that very clearly had been set up well by Ted Thompson.

It's hard to fathom anybody not realizing that your individual success is often a by-product of who and what you have around you. Sure, Orakpo had London Fletcher but that was about it for the first two years of his career. Watt, Smith, and Matthews walked into pretty good situations in their respective organizations. Miller was drafted # 2 overall by a defensive minded head coach in John Fox, but on a team that also had Elvis Dumervil and Champ Bailey amongst others.

Orakpo has improved in the other areas of his game, such as his pass drops and run defense, along with his ability to use his hands for a little better leverage. If he can play a full season this year, with Kerrigan fully comfortable in his role and ideally others around him being healthier and better in coverage, it stands to reason that 15 sacks is not out of the question for Orakpo.

As for the  money, and what it might cost? Matthews signed a six-year, 69.73 million dollar contract on April 17th according to information posted on Rotoworld.com and Spotrac.com. He received a 20.5 million dollar bonus. Matthews will only count for 6.7 million under the Packers cap in 2013, with figures rising to 11.15 million (2014) to 12.7 million in 2015. From 2016 - 2018, Matthews is currently scheduled to count about 40 million under the Packers cap, with 15.2 million counting in 2017 as currently constructed.

The deal seems to favor the Packers in one area, being that the current franchise tag of 10.6 million (will only go up as more deals are done). Matthews will cost less than he would under a franchise tag in the first two years of the deal and that will probably be the case over the first four years of the deal as well.

The Cowboys have franchised OLB Anthony Spencer the last two years in a row, so Washington might not have to make the decision for even longer, but while that gives you good flexibility from a no long-term risk perspective, it significantly boosts your salary cap number for that one particular season.

Here's what I would say. I would roll the dice for right now and wait on an extension, even though it would lower Orakpo's cap number for 2013 (currently 5.109) and see if he returns to the same or even better level that he was before the injury. I think that is only fair for both sides. If Orakpo goes 8 - 10 games and has roughly a sack per game average, maybe you  get serious about a long term extension that makes sense for both sides.

Spencer is going to cost the Cowboys 10.627 million as currently configured (barring a long term extension) and while he had 11 sacks last year, Spencer only has 32.5 career sacks (2.5 more than Orakpo) but has played in 90 games. NINETY. Orakpo has played in 49, if you weren't paying attention above.

Orakpo might not be Matthews, but he's far better than anything Spencer has ever produced and that's with DeMarcus Ware on the other side. If you think about it, Orakpo is an absolute bargain for the Redskins compared to Spencer for the Cowboys. The Redskins know this, and now you do as well.

Even though it would help the Redskins now, Eric Shaffer and Bruce Allen are paid handsomely to make sure that common sense prevails in a league that is every bit as much about dollars and cents, as it is about x's and o's.

If Matthews is the high end ceiling, my guess is Orakpo would come in at the 5-6 year range, with a total value of 50-55 million (5 year deal) or 58-65 million (6 year deal) with  maybe 15 million guaranteed. You have until early next March to try and make that happen if you wish to do so, there is absolutely no rush for right now.

For his part, Orakpo didn't seem concerned at all. He's in a good spot, but now it is about trying to get the most imporant thing Matthews already has, a Super Bowl ring.

Chris Russell -- SFTheRooster@Yahoo.com --- www.twitter.com/russellmania980

The Washington Redskins face another new dilemma as they approach April, as in who will be at starting right outside linebacker in Week 1 of the NFL season.


They may have had the same question one way or the other, but now  the choices are extremely limited because Rob Jackson, who replaced Brian Orakpo as the full time starter,  has been suspended by the NFL for violation for the league's comprehensive substance abuse/performance enhancing drug  program.


The details are still unclear, and the suspension has not been officially announced by the Redskins which means that an appeal is still in the process of being cleared up.


ESPN 980 has texted and called Jackson for comment several times since the news was broken by longtime NFL reporter Howard Balzer on Wednesday night, but as of 1:15 PM Thursday, Jackson had not responded.


ESPN 980 also spoke to Jackson's contract agent as listed by the NFLPA as soon as the report came out, and the agent said he had no idea about the report or the suspension. When asked for comment later on in the evening, the same agent did not respond.


Various reports have the NFL as acknowledging the suspension, but it is unclear as to the exact nature of the violation. Other reporters have mentioned that the violation occurred while taking an over the counter pain killer to help with a toothache.


Here is apparently where the issue started. On December 11, 2012, I tweeted this on my account (@Russellmania980) - "Only thing that can stop #Redskins OLB Rob Jackson these days?? A trip to dentist. Told @ESPNRadio980 he had a root canal & wisdom tooth out."


The reason he told me about this issue was because he missed a pre-scheduled interview, one of many that Rob helped with all throughout the season.


I understand that the NFL has very specific rules about what you can take and can't take. It's sad, that some cheaters (HGH users) get away with hurting their bodies and the game because of the lack of testing, while  a person that apparently tried to numb a toothache is subject to having his career tarnished and to hurting his team.

Which brings us to the issue and effect on the Redskins. Brian Orakpo is recovering from season-ending surgery on his pectoral muscle in Week 2 of last season. He has had three injuries/tears to the same general muscle area since January 1 2012. Will Orakpo ever be the same?


Nobody knows for sure. He is rehabbing near the University of Texas in Austin, according to Mike Shanahan. Orakpo is a very determined individual for sure, but the questions at least have to be asked and the situation has to be one of concern. Anybody that tells you otherwise is simply blowing smoke where the sun doesn't shine.


The Redskins let Lorenzo Alexander leave via free agency and re-signed Bryan Kehl, but Kehl is a natural inside LB with limited practice time last year on the outside.


Currently, Ryan Kerrigan, Orakpo, Jackson, Vic So'oto and Ricky Elmore are the only listed outside linebackers on the Redskins roster, per a depth chart breakdown from Ourlads.com.


That has to be an enormous concern for a defense that is already thin in the secondary. If Orakpo is not ready, who would start Week 1??

My guess is that with Keenan Robinson (listed at inside) on the mend  and the fact that he was a starter at outside linebacker in a different scheme while in college, Robinson  will get a healthy dose of reps and work at the outside spot during camp. This would also be to prepare for the possibility that Orakpo will at least need to be spelled as he was even before his injuries.

ESPN 980 reached out to Robinson for his thoughts on the subject. In a text exchange, Robinson explained that "My freshman through junior yr (year) we were based out of a 3-4..I played some 'Sam'  (OLB freshman yr) and then moved  to 'Will' (ILB) sophomore and junior yr. In nickel, I played Will as well in the 4-2-5. My senior yr we were primarily a 4-3 and I played 'Mike' backer. In nickel, I played 'mike' as well."

You may remember the Minnesota victory, when the Redskins bent but did not break on the Vikings first three offensive series. They gave up field goals, but Robinson was huge on several third down red zone stops to force those three-point opportunities.


Going back and watching some of the coaches tape, the Redskins deployed Robinson on the outside on both 3rd down stops that I saw, on both sides of the field. Both times, Robinson was able get off blocks and make or assist with key stops. I remember Robinson standing out that day in a subtle way, one that was  lost in the offense exploding, but the proof was in the pudding after going back months later to watch the tape.

Robinson explained that against Minnesota "I was actually playing DE (defensive end) in a 4 down scheme (4 defensive lineman). I had the option of gettin in a 3 pt (point) or 2 pt stance. I chose 2 pt because I felt most comfortable with that.  They had me rush a little bit, but mostly I dropped into coverage. I liked playing the position and it was what Lorenzo played a lot throughout the season."

This isn't to say that he could play 60 + snaps if forced to as a starter in Week 1 and play at a high level, but at least the potential exists. Robinson also told ESPN 980, "I feel like with my size and athletic ability, I could play both (inside/outside), but now that we have Rak (Brian Orakpo) back, they may not need me to do so unless we want to utilize a speed package with me, Rak and Kerrigan all on the field at once."

The other issue?? In a strange twist of irony, the two former Longhorns are both recovering from the same injury (torn pec muscles). Robinson told me via text " It's coming along good. It's been 4 months since surgery..feels good." He didn't know exactly when he would be cleared, but certainly intends on going as soon as the Redskins doctors and staff allow him to compete.

It basically means a dire situation becomes a little less dangerous. It means that we can all go back to worrying about who the Redskins will start at cornerback this year.

Chris Russell // SFTheRooster@Yahoo.com // www.twitter.com/russellmania980

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) Washington Redskins two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Orakpo and defensive end Adam Carriker are out for the season with injuries.

Coach Mike Shanahan said Monday that Orakpo suffered another tear of the pectoral muscle near his left shoulder in Sunday's 31-28 loss to the St. Louis Rams.

Orakpo had surgery on the same shoulder after a suffering similar injury in the final game of last season.

Carriker tore the quad tendon at the base of his right knee in the first quarter of Sunday's game.

The Redskins now have to replace two defensive starters on a team that has allowed 63 points in its first two games.

© 2012 by STATS LLC and Associated Press.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

Brian Orakpo may be a bit of a disappointment to some fans and media that watch the Burgundy and Gold on a regular basis. However, his importance should not be understated.

The outside linebacker who is in his fourth year has started 47 games, all that he has played, and has 28.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and is a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

No matter what the numbers say, and the perception is -- here's the bottom line, the Redskins have to have a healthy Orakpo if their defense is going to take a big step forward.

Orakpo and the Skins received very good news on Sunday, which confirmed their original thoughts on Saturday night (as ESPN 980 first reported) that the veteran's pectoral  injury was not believed to be serious.

“There’s no tear. That was good news. They felt like [there was] a little scar tissue but nothing that serious. So he should be okay. I think everybody is relieved,” Mike Shanahan said on Monday.

Orakpo was relieved as you would expect. He told reporters the injury -- suffered on Saturday night in Chicago  was a nerve wracking feeling.

"It popped on me on the field, so I was scared. I thought I re-tore it. It had the same reaction as when I tore it in Philly. That's what scared me the most."

Orakpo is moving forward in his recovery, while being ruled out by Mike Shanahan to play again in the preseason. "I'm very optimistic about it. The injury wasn't as significant as we originally thought. I'm very thankful for that."

Now the concern has to be - will this be a continuous issue for Orakpo and the Redskins?  In two of the last three games the team has played, Orakpo has done some sort of damage (partial tear in Philadelphia). 

The injury on Saturday was easy to see. Orakpo was slightly out of position on a quick pass to the ultra speedy Devin Hester in the left flat and Hester made one move, forcing Orakpo to counter with his left arm which bent and twisted awkwardly.

The original injury in Philadelphia came on a sack, his 2nd of the day. He also had a forced fumble on the play, and three tackles. It was not as easy to see, and in a essentially meaningless game - but what impact will it have moving forward?

That's the big question, will it prevent him from staying healthy and being 100%, and what impact will that have on the next phase of his career?  

The Redskins hope that Orakpo can really  break out and have monster production. Despite good numbers, the total truth is Orakpo has not made enough impact plays.

Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett, is expecting a lot more. He told the media that he felt Orakpo could have that kind of season, if he works to take the next step.

"To me, he is the kind of guy that when he wants to, when he puts his mind to it, he is going to be one of those that is going to get you 15, 16, 17 sacks. He has the ability to do that," Haslett said.

It's unknown exactly when Orakpo will be able to practice fully. The hope is he will be good to go,  to begin preparations for the September 9th regular season opener in New Orleans, two weeks from today (Monday).

In order for the Redskins to win eight or nine games this year, it's very simple. They are going to have to be much better on defense. If you don't believe that, you don't understand football.

A big key in that, will Brian Orakpo be able to go from 9 sacks to 13 or 14, and instead of 3 forced fumbles -- will he have 5? There's no reason for him not too, with  Ryan Kerrigan in year-two and presumably improving on his stellar rookie season (70 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and a interception return for a touchdown).

There's more reason to believe this scenario.  Perry Riley is much more explosive than his predecessor, Rocky McIntosh, and London Fletcher returns to anchor the defense.

Adam Carriker was re-signed. Jarvis Jenkins is like getting a big free agent acquisition. Stephen Bowen and Barry Cofield, should be even better and more comfortable. I can go on and on.

Orakpo has to put more consistent heat on the opposing quarterbacks, like defenses will to the Redskins offensive line and their talented but in-experienced rookie QB.

Even though Orakpo wound up with more sacks than Kerrigan -- Kerrigan had 7 more (42-35) quarterback pressures, along with the extra forced fumble and the go-ahead interception and touchdown in Week 1.

Robert Griffin III is going to struggle and show moments of brilliance, but the Redskins defense has to carry the load, at a more efficient clip. The notion that the Redskins defense has been asked to do too much is preposterous in my eyes.

For instance, with several new parts but overall very limited injuries, the defensive unit in 2011 was only on the field for a possession average of 29:51. That's with a very inconsistent offense.

That was actually down over two full minutes on average per game in 2010. You would think that would increase performance, and while it certainly did in several key areas - one hugely critical area that did not translate well was third down percentage.

In 2010, the Redskins allowed opponents to convert 35.0% of the time. In 2011, the number jumped to 37.4%. That doesn't seem like a huge jump in pure numbers, but I can think of three games (at least) the Redskins lost because of conversions on third-and-long situation. Both Dallas games, and the Miami game are three disastrous examples.

This is with the sack totals rising from 29 (2010) to 41 (2011) with the infusion of Kerrigan, Bowen and Cofield.

The total yards allowed went down significantly, a drop of over 700 total net yards. The Redskins generated only 13 interceptions in 2011, compared to the 14 in 2010 -- and they also saw a drop in fumble recoveries, year-over-year, from 13 in 2010, to only 8 in 2011.

In other words, their total forced turnovers dropped by six, despite an increased talent base, pressure and a second year (for most) of familiarity with the 3-4 scheme.

That HAS TO CHANGE this year, and it starts with Orakpo. It starts with him being healthy and ramping up his efforts with more pass rush moves (well documented)  and getting home on third down.

Will it happen? Only time and Orakpo's health will tell.

Chris Russell // SFTheRooster@Yahoo.com // www.twitter.com/russellmania980

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) Washington Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo and strong safety Brandon Meriweather will miss the final two preseason games with injuries.

Coach Mike Shanahan said Monday that MRIs on both players revealed good news. Orakpo has damaged some scar tissue in his left shoulder, and Meriweather has a swollen and sore left knee. Neither player will require surgery.

Both were hurt in Washington's 33-31 loss to Chicago on Saturday.

Orakpo had surgery on the same shoulder after tearing a pectoral muscle in the final game of last season. He thought he had torn the muscle again against the Bears when he felt the shoulder pop.

Says the two-time Pro Bowl linebacker: "I thought I was done, to be honest with you."

Updated August 20, 2012

© 2012 by STATS LLC and Associated Press.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

The Redskins won yesterday at MetLife Stadium. They got a lot of help from the offense and special teams but the game was truly won on defense.  Brian Orakpo has struggled significantly against the NFC East foes that he and the Redskins see twice per year.

Sunday was no different until the 4th Quarter, when Orakpo drew a holding call on a 4th down touchdown by the Giants, so the score was nullified. Orakpo almost surely would have had a sack of Eli Manning if not for the penalty. Ryan Kerrigan finished the Giants and Manning off a play later.

Orakpo FINALLY got his first full sack in 17 career games against NFC East foes, with just over 3 minutes left in the one-sided win. After the game, Orakpo said he got "the monkey off his back" but the cynical and honest part of me, feels he has a long way to go before that truly happens.

Below, is a year-by-year, breakdown of Orakpo's history against the Giants, Eagles and Cowboys, with some notes spliced in for extra flavor.

Take a look and you can decide for yourself. Is this the start of something or just a throw-in at the end of a  lopsided game?

Brian Orakpo - NFC East Career -  Based on NFL.com Player Statistics - KEY: PD = Pass Defensed

DALLAS

2009 - 4 tackles - 2 games (Missed sack of Romo on touchdown late w/ arms around him.

2010 - 4 tackles, 1 PD - 2 games (Did draw holding call on final play of game, wiping out a TD)

2011 - 7 Tackles - 2 games

Totals vs Dallas (6 games) 15 tackles, 1 pass defensed.

NEW YORK

2009 - 3 tackles - 2 games

2010 - 8 tackles - 2 games

2011 - 5 tackles, 1 sack, PD - 2 games. (Draws holding penalty to wipe out TD)

Totals vs New York - (6 games)  16 tackles, 1 sack, 1 pass defensed

PHILADELPHIA

2009 -  5 tackles, PD - 2 games

2010 - 10 tackles, 1/2 sack - 2 games

2011 -  5 tackles, PD - 1 game (1/1 @ Philly)

Totals vs Philadelphia (5 games) 20 tackles, 1/2 sack, 2 pass defensed.

NFC EAST TOTALS (17 games) 51 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 passes defensed.

- Chris Russell // RussellC@Redskins.com // www.twitter.com/russellmania980 //www.facebook.com (Chris Russell)

Individual Player Review - EAGLES @ REDSKINS - 1st HALF

Rex Grossman 

*1st play - Screen L to Fred Davis, almost INT or bat down by leaping LB, but complete for 12. GREAT FIELD POS.
**Shotgun 3rd/16 deep bomb over middle at goal area INT by Kurt Coleman in crossing 2B coverage.
**Couldn't handle clean shotgun snap, from Cook into end zone. Picks up, throws incomplete. Good recover.
**Very high throw to Helu in stride on 3rd/8 off finger tips, but draws PF for shoulder 2 helmet launch.
**Rex near interception to D.R.C in-and-out of hands on 3rd/3 on spin move after Locklear gets beat.
**1st/10 after holding to FG, @ 15 - with no running before - PA fake, clean pocket, deep drop and Rex badly underthrows Gaffney wide open on deep post behind Nate Allen for INT.
**Rex throws wild/high to Moss out of 2 minute warning.
**Almost INT'd on tight window throw by Nate Allen underneath, knocks it up in air and out with receiver running behind.

Ryan Torain

**Plus 4 on first carry cut right inside zone behind Cooley and JB, wiped out because of holding on Trent.
**Plus 4 on 2nd carry off LT, good job by Trent. Next play, gets screen left that Eagles snuff out but pretty clear DPI.

Chris Cooley

**Broke finger/hand on huge 3rd down blow up by Nnamdi. Billick hammers Rex for leading CC into danger.

Fred Davis

**2nd nice gain on screen left on final drive of first half +17 after engaging block -- good job downfield by Locklear
**Quick left seam strike for first down to PHIL-34 near end of half.

Jammal Brown

**Engulfed Jason Babin on a screen INC to left side Torain, dealt with a spin move.
**JB forces/caves Babin inside and at last second -- deals w/blitzing LB rushing on back side, INT on Rex.

Trent Williams

**Holding on first run, hog tied backside defender, wiped out 4-yard rush & 2nd/6.
**Suffers R ankle spraign on 3rd/8 incompletion to Helu for PF (13:24-2nd Q, 14-0) Got rolled up by Monty in battle.
**Trent takes personal foul for unnecessary roughness on INT deep bomb (Kory hurt) - JB shoving as well.

Erik Cook

**Nice run block on pull for Torain, + 4 yards.
**Takes false start late in first half.

Will Montgomery

**Gets pushed back, slightly, Ryan Torain on counter cut back runs right into him.
**Mike Patterson abuses Will on big sack near end of half, on 3rd/11 to force long FGA.

Sean Locklear

**Gets beat on inside stunt on 3rd/3 for incompletion, near INT as Rex spins out.

Santana Moss

**Stumbles out of break, wide open over middle in zone for incomplete from Rex.

Dante Stallworth

**Completion on skinny post , thrown behind and low - really nice effort and readjustment.

Graham Gano

**KO # 1 Touchback KO # 2 Touchback
**50 yard FG into breezy wind - curved it right to left.

Brandon Banks

**1st punt return to WSH/41, draws flag. Was pinned sidelines and jukes out to middle.
**1st KO return - 4 yards deep, returns to 25. Chris Neild had a nice block.
**Nice KO return wiped out by Kedric Golston hold, that was a horrible call..Never held him down line in any way.

Barry Cofield

**Nice swim move on 2nd/15 to blow up McCoy.

London Fletcher

**Nice job in pass defense on 3rd/2 on Brent Celek. Was wrapped around Celek. Missed call.
**Flies over top on 2nd/G/1 to stop Vick QB sneak with Cofield underneath.

Brian Orakpo

**Had pressure on 1st play long ball INC vs. double team, then draws false start on LT. Dropped out in coverage on 3rd/Long.
**Combined with Rocky Mac on late hit on Vick bad snap and recovery, just after throw. He's ruled out of the pocket, which he was barely. Shanahan says he saw a little helmet/helmet from Orakpo. Clearly you can see it, and Rocky brings him down.
**Orakpo with big rush and bat down of pass from Vick from 'zero' look, they only rushed 5.
**Wild up-field rush by Rak loses rush lane & Vick exploits for 26 yard gain, as Rak misses tackle, Neild over runs play as well.
**2nd unblocked pass rush that Vick slides away from and Orakpo can't bring down in red zone.

Ryan Kerrigan

**Gets beat by Celek while giving up inside leverage, tried to jam but not enough.
**On 1st/G, zero blitz look but only rush 4 -- Kerrigan bats ball up in air and Eagles WR still catches it.
**Zero again, pounces on incomplete shovel pass. Next play, big rush off edge out of zero front, flanked wider then normal, free rush, forcing incompletion.

Rocky McIntosh

**Good open field tackle on McCoy screen left in open field. Rocky gets blocked out of a sprint draw by McCoy/Vick for 8 yard gain.
**McCoy rips off big run on cut-left after Bowen stunts big inside, leaving gaping lane. Rocky misses tackle/angle in open field, inside 10.
**Beaten down right seam by Celek for circus catch for + 21 to Redskins 32.
**Another missed tackle on cut back shifty run by McCoy in red zone, also London/Atogwe slip off up field.

Oshiomogho Atogwe

**Gets plowed over by Herremens on a run of 11 yards in open field, as Rob Jackson rushed up field.
**Makes tackle on one Maclin pass, then late in getting over in zone on sidelines on next play.
**Misses tackle at LOS on Dion Lewis 7.5 yard carry (initially TD), ruled just short.
**McCoy 1 yard TD off LT, right thru lane created by block of Atogwe (stoned) and with Carriker charging thru backside.

Kevin Barnes

**Allows clean release, with weak one arm jam to D-Jax on line for 23 yard gain.
**4th/2 tries to jam Jason Avant, allows clean release  for 18 yards.

DeAngelo Hall

**Gives 10-yard cushion vs Maclin, reads post and tries to take away inside path, JM breaks to outside and wide open for a 23-yard gain.

Josh Wilson

**Beaten on spin move to outside on 3rd/2 with no pressure - no jam.
**Takes bad angle on McCoy sweep run left for 12 yard gain, as Atogwe gets carried for a few extra yards.
**Bad illegal hands on 3rd/9 incompletion in red zone, not needed at all. Terrible.

Team Defense

**Atogwe & Josh Wilson double long D-Jax on first INC deep ball. Pressured 4 consistenly on first series.
**Draw 2nd false start in one series plus, Orakpo/Landry on TE.
**Zone D allows big over the middle pass to D-Jax in nickel with Ryan Kerrigan getting heat on Vick. 7-step.
**Redskins showed 'zero' look 3 times inside 10, forcing a time-out, a batted down pass, and a TD to Celek. Orakpo almost knocked down another pass, but was engaged with Celek who released and sat down.
**Another sprint draw, goes for 8 -- spinning and turning for McCoy.
**Redskins D finally tightens up inside 10 on 1st/Goal with consistent 'zero' fronts.

-Chris Russell // RussellC@Redskins.com // www.twitter.com/russellmania980

ASHBURN, VA – The National Football League announced today that Washington Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Redskins’ 17-10 victory against the St. Louis Rams in Week 4.

Orakpo registered five tackles (four solo), two tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and three quarterback hits against the Rams. The Redskins’ coaching staff also credited Orakpo with a forced fumble. His 2.5 sacks in the game represent the second-highest single-game sack total of his career and are the most by a Redskins player since he registered four sacks against the Oakland Raiders on Dec. 13, 2009.

The award marks the 32nd time a member of the Redskins has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week since the NFL began awarding weekly honors in 1984. Orakpo is the team’s first winner since cornerback DeAngelo Hall earned the award after a four-interception performance against the Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2010 season.

Orakpo previously won weekly honors following Week 14 of the 2009 season while listed on the roster as a defensive end/linebacker. Prior to Orakpo, no Redskins linebacker had won the award since Ken Harvey following Week 13 in 1997. Orakpo is now one weekly honor shy of tying Wilbur Marshall for most by a linebacker in team history (three).

Orakpo, a two-time Pro Bowler, leads the Redskins in sacks this season with 3.5. The Redskins have 15 sacks on the season, tied with Philadelphia for most in the NFL. Orakpo has 23 career sacks, the fifth-most in the NFC and ninth-most in the NFL since he entered the league in 2009.

Rex Grossman

**PA on first left out of off-set I with Cooley who cuts down backside defender so Rex can complete first down to Santana.

**Rex gets hit on a deep attempt incompletion, then under pressure from Trent on 3rd down incompletion. Ran a boot for 2 yards.

**2nd series -- first down, Rex throws off back foot with moderate pressure, terrible mechanics but should be completion to TH25 goes through hands.

**Great 3rd down clear vision, pocket strike to Gaffney on 3rd/8 for 20 . Same route right to left on the post cross that they love to run. Chester did good job pushing rusher out of way to clear lane.

**Touchdown to Moss out of 4 WR/RB set, with TH25 flanked wide left, Santana in left slot. They criss cross on the corner route and perfect throw, timing and footwork. Moss had right foot down, was dragging toes on left foot barely. Had blitzer leap in his face, and knock him down.

**Rex first throw, of 2nd Q, 1st down - knocked down on quick seam route to Davis. Tight INC but no seperation out of clustered bunch to left set.

**Rex with clean pocket (TH25/O-Line) and delivers strike to Moss on 3rd/6.

**One play after killing clock time off and taking first timeout with :40 left, because they did not want to take chance, Rex throws a near horrible pick right to the Rams safety, but again he can't catch it.

Tim Hightower

**Had the drop thru hands on 1st on 2nd series. 2 yard stretch left. Stretch run left, w/ pretty good blocks by Davis, Cooley, Trent for + 5. Then stretch Right blown up because JB got pushed back a bit into path of cutback, and play blew up. 

**Great pass pro on Gaffney 3rd down comp + good lower the boom run on 1st + 6, off RT with great blocking by Fred/Cooley on right edge. JB & CC were looking for guys to seal block.

**Another big pass pro on 3rd/6 - hurling body at blitzer for completion to Moss.

Ryan Torain

*1st carry of year, lowers shoulder and bops safety in open field, with very good lead block and holes created by Trent, Cooley & Fred.

**Next play, Torain 20-yard TD run with great hole by Trent & Cooley - Kory Lichtensteiger also had key hook block to open hole moving lateral.

Roy Helu

**Nice cut back run through middle, with Niles Paul a nice backside cut, gaping hole. Redskins had everyone blocked except # 32 saved a big TD.

**Helu + 5 up middle, hard agressive run + very good blitz pickup on 3rd down INC.

Santana Moss

**Great footwork drag out of left slot on the TD rub route to corner route with Hightower.

**Big 3rd/6 out route completion, to right.

Chris Cooley

**Left flat reception for 4 yards. Lines up at FB, fakes PA left, angles right...Open but nobody picked up the blitz boot.

Jabar Gaffney

**Huge 3rd/8 catch + 20 on 2nd series on cross post sliding down. 2nd 3rd/7 catch on drive, from 'X" -- a little sitdown route in zone. Great blitz pickup by TH 25.

Trent Williams

**Big time lunge on DE, misses block with head and body way too over extended, for 2 yard loss on TH 25.

Jammal Brown

**Bad false start wipes out 4th down conversion.

**Pretty good block on Hightower 7-yard run, with a good wall off.

Team Offense

**Redskins attempt 4th/4 at STL--39, Jammal Brown jumps on false start. Play blown dead pretty quickly, but Santana was wide open on a quick drop for a post route, inside of zone CB/S - could have been at least first down, maybe TD.

**Rex under good pressure up the middle, throws one away. Intentional grounding.

**Redskins squander opportunity and Rams do same as well, to call timeout after 9-yard run to force 3rd/1. At 1:29 left in half,  Washington let :39 off clock and STL did not take time as well. Mike Shanahan says they didn't want to take a chance. 

Team Defense

**2nd play, Orakpo gets knocked off on pull by backside tackle, Rocky gets pushed back and SJAX goes for 13 yards on ground.

**Haslett on 3rd/12 rushes 4, drops 7 in Cover-2 shell and Washington blows up short screen to SJAX. Good flow & hard tackle by Rocky, from across.

**Team sack on pretty big pressure by Orakpo that flushes Bradford OOB on last play of 1st quarter.

**TE of STL with a drop (Rams 5th) in 3-man zone, crunched around by OJ, LaRon & Hall. DHall banged up on play.

**3rd/1.5 - STL tries hurry-up run to SJAX and Redskins (Bowen) stuff it, along with Cofield. Then allows 4th/1 conversion on a boot roll to right (Pettis).

**Huge slot CB Blitz by Kevin Barnes, to put big heat on Bradford. Kerrigan got around Smith at RT and got a PF facemask called. Carriker batted pass down.

Stephen Bowen

**Big stop on 3rd/1 hurry up  run to SJAX

**Monster half-sack with Orakpo split to end first half.

Brian Orakpo

**Good rip-off on run stop on first series, with Carriker shuttling down the line to assist. Great athleticism by DL to slide.

**Rush forces Bradford deep overthrow on 3rd/16.

Ryan Kerrigan

**Knifes in on run stop of Steven Jackson on first play.

**Pass rush loops around Bradford but eventually pushes through and almost strips/sacks Bradford on nice completion, that beat Josh Wilson.

**1 play after drawing personal foul for facemask on good pass rush, Orakpo drives LT Saffold back, forces Bradford to spin while Kerrigan keeps motoring around and through RT/TE for sack/FF. Recovered by Barry Cofield.

Adam Carriker

**Had a nice pass knockdown on one throw by Bradford with good push.

Rocky McIntosh

**Huge pressure looping around right side of O-Line -- and big belt of Bradford to force INC on 3rd Down.

**Very good run diagnosis, fills hole, patient. Didn't miss tackle on SJAX, 1st down. 2 plays later, gets beat by Kendricks in off line and in zone under for 1st down on 3rd/5.

LaRon Landry

**Good open field in the middle tackle on SJAX.

**Great run stop racing in off the edge and from behind on 1st down after big completion at end of 1st.

**Assists Rob Jackson with good run stop on SJAX.

Kevin Barnes

**Tight coverage on go route with Sims-Walker but perfect throw in - hands of Sims-Walker, could have been TD. He could not catch it.

Josh Wilson

**Beaten for 3rd time in zone coverage, this time Rams WR (Gibson) finally holds on.

Brandon Banks

**Good lunging catch on first punt, near sidelines. Advances a couple of yards, then OOB.

**Fumbles punt return, from mis judging flight of ball. Was lunging.

 Lorenzo Alexander

**Vicious, but clean pop on punt return to shoulder and skim over the shoulder pad with helmet down. (Pettis) along with Riley/Paul.

**Gang tackles, along with Riley and T. Austin the kickoff after Moss TD with minimal gain.

Perry Riley

**Personal Foul on 'defenseless receiver" but no fair catch, led with front of helmet to shoulder pad. Head does buckle on impact, but not defenseless if he doesn't want to fair catch. Ball to WASH-45***

Niles Paul

**Helmet to helmet hit on "defenseless" Pettis, who again did not call for fair catch. To me, he is not defenseless, it was perfectly timed, but clearly different then the Perry Riley hit.

Sav Rocca

**55-yard kick, downed without touching. Niles Paul and Byron Westbrook down on it. BW holds off Paul.

- Chris Russell // RussellC@Redskins.com // www.twitter.com/russellmania980 // www.facebook.com (Chris Russell & ESPN 980)