Three Reasons the Raiders Shouldn’t Sign ILB Zach Orr
Yesterday, former Baltimore Ravens’ inside linebacker Zach Orr announced his intention to play in the NFL again. To the surprise of many, Orr looks forward to playing. With that said, NFL teams continue to line up in the hopes of discussing possible roles with their team. One of those teams should not be the Oakland Raiders. For the reasons listed below, steering clear of Zach Orr is the wisest move.
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Health
On January 20, Orr announced his retirement from the NFL. He cited an abnormality in his spine. More importantly, the C1, the very top of his spine never fully developed. In addition, any injury to that area ranks among the worst spinal cord injuries. While only two percent of spinal injuries occur there, the damage could in either paralysis or death.
In a moment, Orr’s career or life could end. Imagine him being carted off the field. Now, we usually boo opposing players, but to see anyone carried off is jarring. No one needs to see that happen on a Sunday, Monday, or Thursday. Spine and head injuries are ones to not mess with. Why? With all of the research of the horrific effects of the spot, why risk someone’s health?
Half Speed
If Orr is honest, can he play all out, full speed anymore? While the thought of his neck must sit in the back of his mind, how does that help? Although Orr can claim that he ignores the threat, his response would fail any honesty test. Any rational human being would flinch or hesitate. Under those circumstances, playing for the Raiders or any NFL team remains poor decisions. As mentioned, linebackers play the game differently than most. By using instinct and acceleration, they are expected to shed blockers to make plays.
The Right Way
Eventually, Zach Orr could pass a physical. At what price? Granted the Raiders seem in desperate need for an inside linebacker to finally stand up and win that job. Yet, Orr‘s injury disqualifies him. Reggie McKenzie wants to win, but he’d never risk a player’s health on chasing that elusive ring. Sooner or later, the Raiders will raise that Lombardi trophy again. Doing things the right way is important to this team. In addition, the Ravens declared him a free agent, ending his career in Baltimore. That move signifies a team washing its hands of a player.
By the time the season starts, the Raiders will have their middle linebacker. For the listed reasons, it cannot be Zach Orr.
The post Three Reasons the Raiders Shouldn’t Sign ILB Zach Orr appeared first on Cover32.
