Washington Redskins: Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan Already Forming Dangerous Duo

The single biggest factor in the Washington Redskins' tremendous defensive improvement this season has been the play of outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan.

The most impressive thing is how quickly Orakpo and Kerrigan have assumed their natural roles as the chief playmakers on the defense.

It hasn't taken them long to form a devastating combination, capable of wrecking any offensive game plan.  The duo are well on their way to becoming one of the most productive and feared tandems in the league.

Kerrigan is a rookie transitioning to a new system, and Orakpo is returning from injury and continues to adapt to the nuances of the 3-4.

But the two edge rushers have wasted no time in wreaking havoc on opposing offenses.  Kerrigan was named defensive player of the week after his stunning debut showing against the New York Giants on opening day.

Last week, Orakpo matched the achievement of his younger partner and collected defensive player of the week honours, following a 2.5-sack outing against the St. Louis Rams.

The pressure each player provides is key to the Redskins defensive scheme.  In the 3-4, the outside linebackers are the main pass rushers, and having two sack specialists man these positions makes the Redskins that much harder to game-plan against.

Identifying the main threat between Orakpo and Kerrigan is a difficult proposition.  Sliding the protection over to two-time Pro Bowler Orakpo leaves Kerrigan free to torment quarterbacks in the pocket.

Given the rookie's habit of knocking the ball loose, teams will have to start to pay more attention to Kerrigan, and there are not many tackles in the league who will be able to block Orakpo one-on-one.

The amount of pressure that Orakpo and Kerrigan are managing to generate can encourage Jim Haslett to tone down some of his all-out pressure calls and overload blitzes.

Secure in the knowledge that both of these bookend pass rushers are capable of getting to the quarterback on any play, the rest of the defense can concentrate on playing more disciplined and responsibly in coverage and being more physical against the run.

Another very pleasing aspect of the performances of Orakpo and Kerrigan is that each player has offered glimpses of a complete linebacking skill set.

Often in a 3-4, outside linebackers are only graded, or even in the lineup, based on their abilities as blitzers.

But a true 3-4 only works best with true linebackers, capable of performing the multiple tasks demanded by the position.

Kerrigan, in particular, has impressed in this respect.  He is diagnosing plays quickly, has a decent understanding of zone pass drops and is playing the run extremely well.

Orakpo is taking better angles in run force and spill situations, and his open-field tackling technique is improving with every game.

With this level of complete play, all the advantages of the mobile and multiple 3-4 defense are possible for the Redskins.

If the Redskins are going to continue their fine form and get to the playoffs, the defense will likely carry the team, and the unit will only be as good as the performances of Orakpo and Kerrigan.

The early indications are very positive indeed.