John Keim, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Assessing Brian Orakpo's Redskins career

The Washington Redskins debated the move and figured they had to bring him back. They used the franchise tag on Brian Orakpo, hoping a series of moves would transform him into the player they wanted him to become. For whatever reason, it didn't happen. Now, according to a source with knowledge of the situation, he's lost for the season with a torn right pectoral muscle.

Washington signed an interior pass-rusher in Jason Hatcher. They hired an outside linebackers coach whose specialty was the pass rush. But after seven games, Orakpo did not have the sort of production either he or the team would like, with only half a sack.

Rushing the passer is about more than sacks, and Orakpo influences the pass rush. But when you're being paid $11.45 million for one season and when you want to be paid even more, then you have to do more than set up others. You have to make game-changing plays. In the end, that's what Orakpo has failed to do in Washington, which is why the Redskins will face another decision this offseason. Do they bring him back (at a reduced rate because of the injury) or do they cut ties and find more help?

To have a strong 3-4 defense, you must have pass-rushing outside linebackers. That's why ultimately the Redskins brought back Orakpo. They could have invested at other defensive positions, but were reluctant to spend a lot on a safety (they needed two).

The league's highest-paid safety, Jairus Byrd, made no impact with New Orleans and was then lost for the season with an injury. Signing Byrd would have pacified many, but the Saints would have way overpaid. If you're going to overpay, it should be at a premium position. And pass-rushers help you win on defense, and the Redskins hoped the extra help would transform Orakpo from a guy with a career-best 11 sacks in one season to someone who could record several more.

Injuries didn't help his game this season, from a sprained middle finger to sprains in his wrist and ankle. But those can't be used to explain everything. This is a playmakers' league, and Orakpo didn't make enough plays. He played the run well and didn't have any coverage mishaps, though he dropped an easy interception versus Arizona. He drew his fair share of holding penalties over the years.

In his first five seasons, Orakpo intercepted one pass and forced six fumbles (while recording 39.5 sacks). Some linebackers being paid the kind of money Orakpo seeks have forced the same number of turnovers in one season. And it was clear in the spring from coach Jay Gruden that these sort of plays were expected. Once Gruden mentioned that at the owners meetings, the desire was clear.

The Redskins have some options: They can turn to rookie Trent Murphy, whom they just wanted to have in a pass-rushing role this season. They could draft another dynamic outside linebacker in the spring. They could sign a free agent. It would be hard to rely on a guy who now has suffered three torn pectorals (two on the left, one on the right).

Orakpo is a passionate player who works hard and cares about the game and winning. But ultimately, he'll be remembered as another player who fell short of expectations in Washington. He was a good player. The Redskins needed him to be great.

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