Orakpo is Open to Change

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

And yet we still sign players with past injuries and talk about signing guys like Levi Jones. And of course we know the Patriots don't know what they're doing because they sign players like Springs.

Springs is still a top-tier player when he's on the field. Can't really say that about Marcus. Just because we talked about signing Levi Jones doesn't mean the Skins are interested in him. Signing players with past injuries is one thing. Marcus has an ongoing chronic hip issue which has contributed to multiple hamstring issues, and he just can't get to 100% anymore it seems. Trust me, I wish he could. I'd love to have him back at full tilt rocking it out at SAM.

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by GMScud

Springs is still a top-tier player when he's on the field. Can't really say that about Marcus. Just because we talked about signing Levi Jones doesn't mean the Skins are interested in him. Signing players with past injuries is one thing. Marcus has an ongoing chronic hip issue which has contributed to multiple hamstring issues, and he just can't get to 100% anymore it seems. Trust me, I wish he could. I'd love to have him back at full tilt rocking it out at SAM.

Well that certainly seems to be your opinion, but I would say Blache disagrees. Dec.18, 2008 this is what he had to say, "You lose a lot when you lose Marcus. Not to take anything away from the guys who stepped in and competed for us, but a Marcus is a Marcus. He is a cut above." He's had injuries just like Randy Thomas, Chris Samuels and others, but I've never heard he had a chronic hip issue. I just find it funny the arguments made against him when others on the team have had injury issues as well. The fact is, the Redskins wanted him back or they wouldn't have made an offer. MW is just hurt about the way he was let go and by the offer being vet min. I don't blame the Skins for not wanting to pay him as much considering how much he's missed the last 2 years but it's not like the guy can't play at a high level anymore or has had worse injuries than some of the other players who are starting for us. The reason he's not here is because of pride, not because he can't play. We may not sign him but I seriously doubt he's washed up and he's certainly better than some of the other OLB's we have.

[Lotus]

The Redskins have already offered MW a reduced contract. He hasn't signed it yet. You can bet that by training camp he will.

While I worry about MW slowing up with age, he can still rock SLB better than Thomas or either of the rookies (at least for now).

I think MW at SLB and Orakpo with a hand in the dirt gives our defense the best chance at dominance in 2009.

[skins89moss]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

And yet we still sign players with past injuries and talk about signing guys like Levi Jones. And of course we know the Patriots don't know what they're doing because they sign players like Springs.

We all love Marcus he played the game with passion. Now he is a little older and the injuries start to slow you down from playing at the level he is use to playing. The problem with Marcus is he can't run anymore which makes him a liablity in the passing game. Marcus needs to come to the realization that he is not the same productive player he once was several years ago. I guess we can pass him to rush the passer but thats what Orakpo does.

[freddyg12]

I would love to see MW back, he became a core guy w/the name to prove it! But I wonder if he can make the team even if he's signed. If nothing else, the young guys we drafted have more upside on spec. teams.

Having Orakpo play some LB will be cool as long as it doesn't stunt his development as a pass rusher. In the near future we may be playing a 3-4, you never know who might be D coordinator in 2-3 years. Blache was ready to retire in 08. So if Rak learns some OLB he'll be ready for any system.

[skinsfan_nn]

Originally Posted by freddyg12

I would love to see MW back, he became a core guy w/the name to prove it! But I wonder if he can make the team even if he's signed. If nothing else, the young guys we drafted have more upside on spec. teams.

Having Orakpo play some LB will be cool as long as it doesn't stunt his development as a pass rusher. In the near future we may be playing a 3-4, you never know who might be D coordinator in 2-3 years. Blache was ready to retire in 08. So if Rak learns some OLB he'll be ready for any system.

Freddy..whats up!

MW was a hell of a LB and team leader/fan favorite for many years. Hated to see him go for what all he brought to the table when healthy.

But the last several years he just has not been able to stay on the field do to injury problems, as mother time catch's us all..as you would know....lol

With that said, if he were to come back for the right price, as there hasn't been much action for him. It would be nice depth to have. And yes I believe without a doubt he would make the team.

Glad okra is open to change..so am I! Plug that machine in and turn him loose!

[MTK]

Pretty sure Mike Williams is under 400 now

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Pretty sure Mike Williams is under 400 now

He's at 392 as of May 7th. I'm rooting for that guy, I hope he gets to his playing weight and become a beast.

[53Fan]

Just so it isn't presented like MW has been chopped liver the last 3 years. 2006 he started 14 games and only had 7 less total tackles than 2005, plus 2.5 sacks. 2007 he only started 12 games and had 5 sacks. Not bad. Even as a part time player. I don't know if he could go a whole season or not. Nobody else does either. As I said, I don't blame the FO for reducing his salary. But if he decides to follow Daniels and swallow his pride, he will make this team better.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

Just so it isn't presented like MW has been chopped liver the last 3 years. 2006 he started 14 games and only had 7 less total tackles than 2005, plus 2.5 sacks. 2007 he only started 12 games and had 5 sacks. Not bad. Even as a part time player. I don't know if he could go a whole season or not. Nobody else does either. As I said, I don't blame the FO for reducing his salary. But if he decides to follow Daniels and swallow his pride, he will make this team better.

For a second I thought you were talking about Mike Williams. I was very confused. LOL.

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

For a second I thought you were talking about Mike Williams. I was very confused. LOL.

Well if he keeps losing weight maybe we can try him at LB too.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

Just so it isn't presented like MW has been chopped liver the last 3 years. 2006 he started 14 games and only had 7 less total tackles than 2005, plus 2.5 sacks. 2007 he only started 12 games and had 5 sacks. Not bad. Even as a part time player. I don't know if he could go a whole season or not. Nobody else does either. As I said, I don't blame the FO for reducing his salary. But if he decides to follow Daniels and swallow his pride, he will make this team better.

He dropped off a lot between 2006 and 2007, and understandably so for a 29 year old linebacker. I do think his quality season in 2006 gets lost in the mess that was Griffin being hurt and everyone else being terrible. He had, IMO, a pro bowl year, but because the team defense was so horrific, it didn't matter.

But that was the last time he really performed at anything that looked like a probowl level. At this point, we can probably expect Marcus to be the same player we've seen the last two seasons. At a one-year deal, is that worth a roster spot? He is the class of the LBs as we speak.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

Just so it isn't presented like MW has been chopped liver the last 3 years. 2006 he started 14 games and only had 7 less total tackles than 2005, plus 2.5 sacks. 2007 he only started 12 games and had 5 sacks. Not bad. Even as a part time player. I don't know if he could go a whole season or not. Nobody else does either. As I said, I don't blame the FO for reducing his salary. But if he decides to follow Daniels and swallow his pride, he will make this team better.

Actually he started 11 games in '07, but I don't want to split hairs.

For a one year vet min deal, I'd sure as hell take him over Albert Fincher or Robert Thomas.

Don't get me wrong, I never said the guy stinks. I like Marcus a lot, and I wish he wasn't running into all these injury issues. It is what it is.

[The Goat]

Personally i expected Marcus to have a rebound year in '08. One thing not discussed much is the bullshit steroid testing he had to do in '07 and how much that brought him down mentally. I can't remember where i read the article, but basically MW tested positive for something once, though it didn't sound really determinate, so the league decided to require regular testing throughout the '07 season...dude had to fly up to NY weekly I think for the process. Basically it really wore on him. Then he started off really pumped about the '08 season. Nagging injuries set in, which sucks and may be a harbinger of his time left in professional football. But I wouldn't give up on him by a long shot if he can swallow his pride and bring the same fire.

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by The Goat

Personally i expected Marcus to have a rebound year in '08. One thing not discussed much is the bullshit steroid testing he had to do in '07 and how much that brought him down mentally. I can't remember where i read the article, but basically MW tested positive for something once, though it didn't sound really determinate, so the league decided to require regular testing throughout the '07 season...dude had to fly up to NY weekly I think for the process. Basically it really wore on him. Then he started off really pumped about the '08 season. Nagging injuries set in, which sucks and may be a harbinger of his time left in professional football. But I wouldn't give up on him by a long shot if he can swallow his pride and bring the same fire.

Wasn't it during the offseason before 08 that he worked out with Daniels some and was really getting after it down in Florida? I know Santana decided not to work out as much during the offseason and he didn't have the same problems with his hammy last year. I think sometimes these guys overdo it when they should be letting their muscles recover.