Redskins outside linebacker Brian Orakpo has been named NFC defensive player of the week for his performance in the Redskins' 34-13 win over Oakland on Sunday. Orakpo finished with four sacks, a forced fumble and six tackles in the game, tying a Redskins record in the process. Only Ken Harvey, Dexter Manley, Diron Talbert and Phillip Daniels have had four sacks in a game. And since the NFL began tracking yards lost on sacks, Orakpo's 44 yards are the highest.

OrakpoOrakpo's only the third rookie in league history to have four sacks in a game. Cornelius Bennett did it in 1987 and Leslie O'Neal has the record with five in 1986. Orakpo is only the second Redskins player to earn one of the league's weekly honors this season. Punter Hunter Smith earned special teams player of the week in Week 10.

In what has been a miserable season for the Redskins, Orakpo's play has been a very positive sign for the future. He's the type of player you build a defense around, and hopefully Greg Blache -- or whomever the next defensive coordinator is -- will continue to feature Orakpo. Teams are going to start scheming for him now that he's had so much success, so he'll have to continue in his development. But he's an absolute beast and it's nice to see him receive this honor from the league.