BY DAVID ELFIN
Associated Press
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Brian Orakpo is frustrated. Not just by Washington’s 1-3 record, but by his lack of production.
The outside linebacker, a three-time Pro Bowl pick, has just a half sack this season. It came against Jacksonville when Washington tied a franchise record with 10. The Redskins managed just one sack during their past two losses, the last one a 45-14 rout by the visiting New York Giants. Super Bowl champion Seattle comes to Washington on Monday.
“It’s frustrating that I have only half a sack right now, but they will come,” said Orakpo, who averaged 9.5 sacks during his first four full seasons. “We want to get sacks. We want to create things that can change the flow of the game. . We just can’t get frustrated, just keep doing what we’re doing. At times, I get frustrated. Everybody gets frustrated. We’re on the sideline: ‘What we can do? We feel like we’re not doing anything in this game.’ “
Coach Jay Gruden would like to see more from Orakpo.
“We expect more production, but he’s had some plays where he’s forced the issue and other guys have gotten sacks because of him,” Gruden said. “I don’t really care about how many sacks he gets, but I do want him around the quarterback. . I think he can improve in that department and he’ll tell you the same thing.”
Orakpo, whom Washington franchised in March rather than award a long-term contract, is not signed beyond this season.
“There’s a lot of pressure . coming back thinking you’re going to have your contract and then you have to do it again,” Orakpo said. “It’s frustrating. That’s one thing I’ve got to get out of my head because I can’t add any more pressure finishing up these 12 games. . You’re basically playing for a contract again.”
Orakpo averaged 2.5 sacks during the first quarters of his four previous healthy seasons. He missed the rest of Washington’s 2012 NFC East championship season after tearing a pectoral muscle in Week 2. So he hasn’t been a regular on a team that has finished better than 6-10.
“It’s very disappointing where we’re at right now, 1-3, but we’ll be fine. … We get a second chance Monday night against the defending champs. You can’t ask for a better story . to prove yourself once again,” he said. “It’d be a perfect scenario if we do what we have to do and get this W.”
Notes: Cornerback Tracy Porter, who re-injured his hamstring against the Giants, didn’t practice again on Friday. Tight end Niles Paul (concussion) and inside linebacker Akeem Jordan (knee) took full practice after being limited on Thursday. Left tackle Trent Williams (knee) and left guard Shawn Lauavo (knee) remained limited.
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