Let's talk some Orakpo

I never really followed Maryland, but wasn’t shawne merriman really only a DE in college that got converted to OLB in the pros. Can anyone draw any comparisons, besides physically?
Merriman was a hybrid DE/OLB at Maryland, similar to Terrell Suggs in Baltimore (who also played DE in college at Arizona State). Both San Diego and Maryland run a similar 3-4 style defense, so there was very little transition for Merriman. Orakpo has the speed to cover TEs and RBs out of the backfield, his adjustment will be mental in learning to do the other tasks of a linebacker besides dropping the QB on his head.

They Say Orakpo is not big enough to stand up to the run so they put him at LB so he dosen't become a 3rd down guy, his physical abilities demand that he's always on the field, by him playing LB this will also allow him to blitz from that slot and a safety will pick up the TE

Brooks has always played on the weak side in a Tampa-2 scheme. I don't know that he would work on the strong side in our scheme.

Brooks has always played on the weak side in a Tampa-2 scheme. I don't know that he would work on the strong side in our scheme.

I think the coaches will stick with Orakpo for the next couple of games and if him or Wilson don't look like they're up to the task, Marcus Washington could be brought back in. I wouldn't hold my breath though, they definitely want Orakpo on the field as much as possible.

Orakpo looked great, he is a hell of a pass rusher and I think he played well as a LB. I think overall though, LB coverage was terrible (Fletch getting beat for that long gained earlier in the game, come on!) I'm also seeing a lot of dump off passes killing the middle of the field. I think the coaching staff needs to address this weakness.

I do hope that with a better pass rush this won't become an issue. Call me a Kool Aid drinker, but our d-line seemed unstoppable without AH, the Ravens got away with a lot of non-calls last night. AH will only make this better.

I think the coaches will stick with Orakpo for the next couple of games and if him or Wilson don't look like they're up to the task, Marcus Washington could be brought back in. I wouldn't hold my breath though, they definitely want Orakpo on the field as much as possible.

lol you just won't let go hope of MW coming back.

I think the chances at this point are slim to none.

Rak looked awesome and Jarmon looked solid; we could definite be set for years to come barring any injuries/trades, etc

But with all of the strength that we have at DL coming up, we have questions at CB, kinda the opposite of where we have been for the past handful of years

Rak looked awesome and Jarmon looked solid; we could definite be set for years to come barring any injuries/trades, etc

But with all of the strength that we have at DL coming up, we have questions at CB, kinda the opposite of where we have been for the past handful of years

Well the questions at CBs are with the backups....which is a bit of a concern, but nothing to scream about.

lol you just won't let go hope of MW coming back.

I think the chances at this point are slim to none.

So you're saying there's a chance? :) I'm just saying IF they brought someone else in, it would make more sense to bring in MW who played the SAM, then Brooks who played WILL.

His closing speed is unreal. One play in particular stands out to me. The D was running a delayed Stunt and even before BO came around, The Baltimore QB started to run out of the pocket and BO closed on him like he was standing still. I also liked JJ but he seemed to winded after just a handful of plays. Could have been he was hyped up just to be on the field and ran his tank empty , or it could be he just isn't in very good shape. I guess we will see come Saturday. Another guy that seemed to be all over the place was Henson. He didn't have good technique on a few plays, but overall, I was impressed with a guy that many said was a wasted pick. He could be a valuable backup at LB