My last entry questioned whether or not Brian Orakpo should be considered our starting SAM back as of right now (he is also designated an LB in the new Madden). While I haven't heard anything new to change my opinion either direction, I have been trying to think of the possible benefits Orakpo could have while playing LB. Jamie Dukes and Rod Woodson demonstrate how to use Orakpo with Haynesworth in the 32 in 32 video on nfl.com (we were voted 17th overall by fans).

One thing Rod Woodson points out is that Orakpo should try to line up far outside Haynesworth to get an inside gap to open up. I agree with this strategy, but am concerned about the possibility of opening a big running lane between two. Solution: Line up Orakpo as a Sam LB in a 4-3 Over formation. This puts him up far outside and (usually) opposite of Haynesworth, who we know will (usually) demand a double team. Orakpo is then picked up by a FB or HB (maybe a TE), a matchup that I would love to bet on every time.

The obvious disadvantage is leaving the midfield less covered, though I think Fletcher, Blades, and McIntosh are more than smart enough to play as two-gap LBs. And with Chris Horton frequently playing close to the line, TE coverage can be supported. There's no need to blitz him every down, but having Orakpo's monster figure on the outside of the line will definitely force adjustments to the offensive schemes. 

Any other strong benefits to having #98 off the line?

I'm reading the rookie first impressions report by Steve Wyche over at NFL.com, and can't help but think that he's made another wrong assumption. Steve Wyche has never really impressed me. You may remember that it was his "source", and only his "source" that said the Redskins were going after Sanchez in the draft (and if you've seen my other posts, you'll know I think this is vastly exaggerated). Now in this article, he is saying that Orakpo is going to be playing OLB.

Like English, Orakpo is making the transition from collegiate defensive end to outside linebacker. The 13th overall pick has shown well enough in offseason workouts that he will enter training camp as the Redskins' starter on the strong side.

Now I have read that he has been practicing with the LBs at OTAs, and will be used (probably frequently) in situations at strong side linebacker. But I haven't read anything about him being our starting SAM, and everytime I hear reference to his position change, there is an emphasis to note that he is still coming in to attack the quaterback (and will be back to practicing mostly with the linemen in training camp).

So what do you think? Are we going to see Orakpo more at SLB or DE? And is there any justification for calling Orakpo our starting LB?

Pasta Padre has posted the Madden NFL 10 Player Ratings. This next installments has much more variance in the ratings system, making a more noticeable difference between elites and the not-so-elite ("Romos"). I like this idea, as it should pronounce the strengths and weaknesses of a team, making the actual matchup as important as the team you pick. It's also why you'll see guys like Colt Brennan with an overall of 49 (and the "he should be atleast a 70" posts below). I'm not sure what Pasta Padre's credentials are, and I haven't seen this on EA's site yet, but here's how the Redskins are said to be:

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Saw it on redskins.com and thought I'd start the thread. Seems strange to me that we're releasing from the line we're trying to bolster. Maybe it was cap room related, and he'll resign later at a smaller contract. Or maybe we're confident enough in the young guns. I hope this means Mike Williams is impressing... 

Any ideas?

Cap Room info:

Jansen was due to earn a base salary of $1.35 million this season, plus a $1 million bonus if he was on the roster on July 1st, 2009. He was scheduled to receive base salaries of $4.35 million in each of the final two years of his contract.

The current poll on nfl.com has led me to this fanpost rant about everyone's perception of the NFC East in the upcoming year. The consensus in the poll, and in most analyst reports, is that the Philadelphia is the strongest team in the NFC East for the upcoming year, with Giants, Cowboys, and Redskins following in that order.

Now I'm use to the Redskins flying under the radar, as they seem to do every year. But this year (again) has me baffled at how we're projected at the bottom again.

I'll admit, Philly has a pretty prolific offense. McNabb and Westbrook, when healthy (see: half the time) are two of the best at their positions. And Jackson could develop into an elite threat (when not suffering from premature throwbackulation). But is everyone ignoring their defense? They've lost DC Joe Johnson and Brian Dawkins this off-season. That's ripping the engine and steering wheel out of their metaphorical car.

The Giants and Cowboys both lost their wideout threat. They both have great running games, but without that prolific WR threat, defenses will be able to cheat closer to the line. Both should have noticable dropoffs in running production because of the loss (and I still don't think Romo is an elite Q). 

Then our 4th ranked defense adds Albert Haynesworth (99 ranking in Madden this year! haha) and Brian Orakpo. Sure, the offense has most of the question marks, but weaker division rivals keeps me optimistic we can make the playoffs. And show me a team that doesn't have a few ??? (except maybe the Steelers)

I see rankings as:

1) Giants

2) Redskins

3) Eagles

4) Cowboys

With the Eagles and Cowboys not making the playoffs. What do you think? What are your rankings?

Our team is looking pretty good to set-up the occasional 3-4 front to screw with opposing OC's.

Orakpo is an obvious fit at OLB, maybe with that new Henson guy on the other side?

And Blades and Fletcher would both make good ILBs.

We all know big Al can play NT, bookended with Daniels and Griffin maybe?

And then the standard Hall/Rogers/Horton/Landry in the secondary.

Not sure if they'll do it, but I'm setting it up on Madden anyways.