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Robert Griffin III‘s knee has dominated the media cycle this offseason when it comes to Washington Redskins news, and that’s fair. Griffin is the future of this franchise at quarterback and the handling of his knee injury down the stretch last season remains intriguing, as of course does his status for Redskins training camp, preseason and Week 1 of the regular season. Whether that Monday night meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles features RG3 or not, it’s certain that Washington will enjoy the return of their other budding elite NFL player, outside linebacker Brian Orakpo. His ability to find his 2011 form will be the most critical storyline on the defensive side heading in, after hitting injured reserve following Week 2 last season with a torn triceps.
Redskins Week 1 Spread: Redskins 5-point favorites hosting Eagles
Redskins Preview and Preseason Effect:
Following the Redskins’ preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans, Washington fans had to feel pretty good about their bookend pass rush. Expecting Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan to hit all cylinders immediately could be a bit much, but picking up a sack each in their limited snaps was nice to see.
“It’s great to have ‘Rak back, you know, and I think ‘Rak being back makes Ryan [Kerrigan] better, makes [Stephen] Bowen better, makes the secondary better,” defensive lineman Barry Cofield said, via the team website. “We all work together. His [Orakpo’s] energy, his passion—he’s already ‘that guy.’ Then you take him out of the game for a year? He’s come back like a hungry wild animal. Orakpo’s going to be back to his Pro Bowl ways.”
Kirk Cousins also went 6-for-7 in that game, so Washington should expect functional offense against the Eagles regardless. What may make or break Washington against Chip Kelly‘s wily run attack will be the outside linebackers’ discipline and ability to blow-up machinations in the backfield. Orakpo has a huge early test.
Thomas Emerick is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ThomasEmerick, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
