Scot McCloughan’s To Do List: Part 4 – Linebackers

September 16, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Washington Redskins outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) prepares to sack St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Redskins 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Kerrigan

Ryan Kerrigan has improved greatly in each of his four seasons in the NFL. With the help of departed OLB coach Brian Baker, Kerrigan had his greatest season in 2014. Kerrigan has always possessed a non-stop motor and now posted stats that were among the league leaders as well.

Kerrigan has a knack for the big play

Kerrigan has a knack for the big play and had interceptions returned for TDs in each of his first 2 seasons. In week one of the 2013 season, he batted a pass that DeAngelo Hall returned for a TD. In week 16 of the 2014 season, Kerrigan had one of those big plays as he sacked QB, Mark Sanchez, forced a fumble and recovered the fumble although he did not return it for a TD.

Kerrigan started out the season with a good game in the loss to the Texans in week one. He had some big stops in the run game and scored a 1.00 rating for the game. Kerrigan was equally effective rushing the passer with a 1.05 rating but had 0 sacks.

In week 2 versus the Jaguars, Kerrigan broke through with a career best 4 sacks. He had an excellent 1.13 rating with a 1.23 rating as a pass rusher. He rushed the QB on 30 plays and dropped into coverage on 7 plays after having only 3 plays in coverage in week 1.

Kerrigan has shown to be effective in zone coverage although rushing the passer is still where he fits best. In week 15 versus the Giants, he scored a 1.02 rating overall with a 1.08 rating as a pass rusher on 26 pass rushes. He had 11 plays in coverage.

Kerrigan played ROLB very often versus Philadelphia

Kerrigan’s game versus Philadelphia the next week was even better. He scored a 1.06 rating overall an amazing 1.23 rating rushing the QB. Kerrigan had a very high 23 plays in coverage with 35 plays pass rushing.

Kerrigan struggled slightly versus the run against Dallas in week 17 with a 0.88 rating in the run game. His overall rating of 0.97 was buoyed by a 1.03 rating rushing the QB on 30 rushes. Kerrigan only dropped into coverage 5 times versus the Cowboys.

Interestingly, Kerrigan played ROLB very often versus Philadelphia. This may have just been an experiment or may point to Kerrigan switching sides if or when Orakpo leaves.

Next: Brian Orakpo