Is there room for Orakpo and Rob Jackson?

Speaking from purely a football sense, there is definitely room for both of them on the roster as well as in the defense. Rak is, and should be, the starter. He's stronger, faster, rushes the passer better and is a player the offense has to account for on every play. You could see the impact on Kerrigan's effectiveness immediately after Rak went down.

If they both return next year, it could be more of a rotation with Jackson or inserting Jackson into more sub packages to have both of them on the field at the same time. Rather than coming out of a two point stance, Rak could be a DE with Jackson standing up behind him or vice versa. There's plenty of ways for both to be effective and max their talents.

Financially I'm not sure how it would work. While Jackson has carved out a nice niche, I'm not sure he played himself into starter money or even into a starting position on most teams. He's very limited in his pass rushing ability and we're probably seeing his ceiling as a player, which is really good in the proper role. He's a Vrabel type player that winning teams need. Not a stud but someone who excels in his role and won't hurt you when he's on the field.

One thing with Orakpo is you dont extend him at this point with that type of injury. Let him play his contract out next year to prove he can stay on the field. Thats the real question in my mind when talking about the two.

You can't just say the defense has raised it's game in vacuum. Rob Jackson is a big part of that reason. You can't dismiss that. And when Orakpo was starting the Redskins were abysmal in the turnover category.

Are we conflating better athlete with better football player?no doubt jackson is a big part of the improvement.

also can't simply cite that when orakpo was in, turnovers were few and far between.

the play of the entire 11 on defense doesn't solely depend on 1 olb.
they're both very able to make plays, in different ways. there is room for both

I don't think Jackson has played himself into a starter type, big money contract. If someone wants to give him that, so be it. I think we can keep him for a decent deal.

Yeah, I'm not convinced he's going to command a huge salary on the market either. He'll probably test the waters but staying with a playoff team has to appeal to him.

Keep both of them.
Period.

I think Has will have a good time figuring it out........

I'm glad you brought this up into a thread, because I was thinking this the other day when he picked off Romo (see Dallas Postgame thread)

Rob Jackson right now is showing that he's a starter somewhere. Here? I don't know.

But I'll repeat what I said in that post. Being an OLB in the 3-4 is about sacks/pressure first and foremost. Rob Jackson doesn't get the consistent pressure that Orakpo can get on the QB. Just keep in mind how much time we've let opposing QBs (Dalton, Big Ben, Eli, to name a few) have in the pocket to throw. Also keep in mind Rob Jackson went a good 4 games without being named or noticed. He just recently got going making smart picks (something Orakpo can't do) and getting occasional sacks.

Right now, the NFL Free Agency Market of OLBs are:

1. Shaun Phillips
2. Connor Barwin
3. Anthony Spencer
4. Rob Jackson

(as for 4-3 DEs who could be 3-4 OLBs)
Dwight Freeney
Cliff Avril
Osi Umenyiora
Michael Johnson

The point is, there are some other pass rusher names out there this year to make Robs potential deal high salary, but also guys that can go to other teams since they are all starters and proven.

I'll leave with this; When Orakpo went out everyone here panicked. Rob Jackson hasn't made me forget about Orakpo--he's been good, but hasn't been Orakpo pro bowl caliber great. If Rob Jackson leaves, I won't panic, but I'd love to have him back as GREAT depth.

I think Osi and Freeney will be elsewhere next season.

Nothing wrong with having a starter and a really good back up. As Matty said, I don't think Jackson has played himself into a starter position here, Orakpo is clearly the better player. I think our team will be in a better position if we have both player on the roster.

Our pass rush has been noticeably less since we lost Rak. As great as Rob Jackson is off of the bench, he is no real substitute as a full-time starter. I say we keep him for depth if we can.