If Brian Orakpo‘s rookie season looks even better four months later, it might pay off with an award. Now that the Associated Press has decided to re-vote for the defensive rookie of the year, the Redskins linebacker surely will receive some of the 39 votes that went to the winner.
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The AP decided to re-vote because the winner, Brian Cushing, was suspended for the first four games of the 2010 season for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug during the ’09 season.
The one thing we’re bothered by, is if Cushing is eligible for the honor again, why re-vote? Either he’s eligible — and keeps the award — or he’s not.
Anyway, Orakpo should not win. Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd finished second with six votes (four more than Orakpo) and tied for the league-lead with 11 interceptions. Save for one game (albeit a terrific one), Orakpo had less impact in the final seven games. We’re guessing Byrd’s 11 picks will outweigh Orakpo’s 12 sacks.
That is, if voters don’t opt once more for Cushing.
