Brian Orakpo: I’m Going To Rip It Up This Year
By Mike Dyce
Washington Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo was sidelined for almost the entire season with a torn pectoral muscle. But the Redskins still marched through the season to the NFC East crown in one of the NFL’s toughest division.
But Orakpo is ready for the season.
“I’m 100, 200, 300 [percent]—whatever that number may be,” Orakpo said when describing how healthy he felt.
“I’m going to rip it up this year. I have high expectations,” Orakpo said, via the Redskins website. “I want to win, be in contention for Defensive Player of the Year, get Comeback Player of the Year.”
It’s the final year of his contract so he could have that exceptional season athletes seem to have when facing a new contract. He has been criticized for being one dimensional in his game, but Orakpo could care less.
“I’ve been doing this for a long time. I’m going to continue being a powerful, edge pass rusher. I do have counter moves, inside stuff like that, but you have to know what type of player you are. You don’t want to go out there and look stupid trying to imitate someone else,” Orakpo said. “I could care less what people say. You just have to go out and do your thing. Believe in what your coaches are critiquing you on your game, and try to establish that on Sundays.”