London Fletcher is running on high miles!

[colt4qb]

Fletcher is the biggest bright spot on this team. Congrats to him for making the pro bowl. It was well deserved.

That being said, no one talks about Fletchers future. Along w/ drafting a brand new o-line, I hope the Redskins attempt to address a possible retirement (whenever it may be) w/ Fletch. We've been spoiled by his durability, accountability in the middle, big highlight hits, game saving tackles.. But since he's 34 (arguably passed retirement age for linebackers) the end of the road is coming. Honestly, if he misses 1 game, that's a make or break win/loss for us.

I feel like the team thinks, as long as he plays w/ the same intensity they'll save the talk for a later date. There's no speculation, there's no attempt to draft a capable LB or pickup a capable FA.

I hope his induction into the pro bowl is motivation to increase his longevity as a starting capable MLB. He'd be tough to replace.

[21cents]

Lets worry about players who hasnt missed a game since playing in the nfl.

[McSkin30]

He's definitely got some time left, but if he has to start taking downs off, I'll be interested to see what Blades can contribute. He's been excellent at times and could develop into a strong candidate. Obviously, the focus of this offseason is in other areas, but I could see investment of a high pick in two years on a top-flight MLB/ILB.

[colt4qb]

He's definitely got some time left, but if he has to start taking downs off, I'll be interested to see what Blades can contribute.

Blades rookie season was decent during pre-season. After that? I haven't recognized his name at all. Either he never left an impression w/ me or I just never paid attention b/c it was pre-season. That being said, if he was the Redskins answer, i'd be worried.

Do you think Blade could lead the team in tackles? Or make reliable solo tackles in MLB w/ his size?

[da#1skinsfan]

Lets not forget, we drafted HB Blades for this exact reason. Let him sit behind Fletch for a few years, and pick up what he's putting down. I dont think it was a coincidence that Blades is a Fletch clone.

I would be interested to hear London's thoughts on this in an interview.

[Dat Moss]

Blades is tough. I'm a WVU guy so i always remember when we would play Pitt that blades would just be making tackles everywhere. Kinda reminds me of Fletcher because he is undersized but he understands the game so well that he makes himself a tackling machine

[da#1skinsfan]

Blades rookie season was decent during pre-season. After that? I haven't recognized his name at all. Either he never left an impression w/ me or I just never paid attention b/c it was pre-season. That being said, if he was the Redskins answer, i'd be worried.

Do you think Blade could lead the team in tackles? Or make reliable solo tackles in MLB w/ his size?

He's barely in the game. And when he is, he actually has done a pretty good job.

Remember, the Redskins are taking a characteristically successful step...take a successful player, draft someone in his physical mold, let him play behind him for a minimum of 2-3 years, and then transition to him when injury or timing deems it necessary.

I would say Blades has a pretty good shot...he's behind one of the best in the game, has had some pretty decent tutelage (GWilliams for a year and KO), and comes from a physical college program not to mention an NFL bloodline.

This was a wise pick a few years back, lets hope it pans out.

[GoodOnPaper]

He's barely in the game. And when he is, he actually has done a pretty good job.

Remember, the Redskins are taking a characteristically successful step...take a successful player, draft someone in his physical mold, let him play behind him for a minimum of 2-3 years, and then transition to him when injury or timing deems it necessary.

I would say Blades has a pretty good shot...he's behind one of the best in the game, has had some pretty decent tutelage (GWilliams for a year and KO), and comes from a physical college program not to mention an NFL bloodline.

This was a wise pick a few years back, lets hope it pans out.

Couldn't put it any better myself. I still have high hopes for Blades and he's a pretty good player, regardless.

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

First, I'll second the props on the Pro Bowl honour. People can argue all they like about him not being a play making LB, but the man does he job. Plain and simple, year in, year out. The only reason he is so scandalously overlooked is because he's not got the ego that wants him to be making the Sports Center highlight reel every week. Congrats on yesterday Fletch, it's been WAY too long in coming; and WTG in being right up the top of the list in defensive stats. Consummate pro to the last.

The OP raises a very pertinent point about finding his replacement.

Like has been mentioned already, I personally think we have one already on staff in H.B.Blades, who's as tough a lil' SOB as there is out there, ala London. Guys a baller, and a true football player that just likes to hit, and hit HARD! But if we are transitioning to the 34, we sure as heck could do with some depth both inside and out with the LB core; and within that system I'd fancy Blades chances to shine alongside Fletch in the middle over Rocky, who's a little on the lightweight side to shed the blocks on the run side for me for that system. So if Blades and Fletch are the two we go with, hypothetically speaking, that hasten's the need even more to start grooming London's replacement.

I guess the problem comes in a lack of picks as we currently stand, and more pressing needs to be attended to first. A long term young starter at LB might have to wait a draft 'till 2011.

Hail.

[McSkin30]

Blades rookie season was decent during pre-season. After that? I haven't recognized his name at all. Either he never left an impression w/ me or I just never paid attention b/c it was pre-season. That being said, if he was the Redskins answer, i'd be worried.

Do you think Blade could lead the team in tackles? Or make reliable solo tackles in MLB w/ his size?

He's a solid special teams contributor and, like the other posters have said, he shows a high-intelligence for the ball and makes a lot of tackles.
Impossible to tell whether he's the replacement or depth, but I'll reserve judgement until LF slows down (if he ever slows down).

[CG]

I definitely agree with the OP. We may have trouble addressing MLB properly this offseason, but it's definitely an issue.


Lets worry about players who hasnt missed a game since playing in the nfl.

We're already thin at LB across the board. Sticking your head in the sand and pretending like this will never be an issue is how you end up with our OL in the state that it's in.

Fletch also really can't match up in space with quicker RBs anymore. He's still fast, but he's not as fast as he was 10 years ago. We need to consider MLB a priority sooner rather than later. I can't put it above our problems on the OL, but its up there.

[DGREENHULK]

Robert Henson anyone? He was a beast at TCU and I'd like to see what he has learned from Fletch in his Rookie year...

[TheLongshot]

Robert Henson anyone? He was a beast at TCU and I'd like to see what he has learned from Fletch in his Rookie year...

Yeah, MLB is probably the spot I'm least worried about on this team.

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

Robert Henson anyone? He was a beast at TCU and I'd like to see what he has learned from Fletch in his Rookie year...

Aside from the fact I've been down on Henson since his comments about the fans after the Rams game, (the retraction meant jack. He felt that way to of said it in the first place); like McIntosh, he's a little too under sized to be a 3-4 ILB for me, particularly when it'll come to shedding blockers and helping in the run game.

Hail.

[MassSkinsFan]

Now that Vinny is gone I think we'll see some real succession planning by our FO. No more surprises when long-term starters begin to fail - we should be able to expect viable depth is developed in the next few years across the board.

[Koolblue13]

Robert Henson anyone? He was a beast at TCU and I'd like to see what he has learned from Fletch in his Rookie year...

I think he has a shot to be a good player for us. He is fun to watch on special teams. He gets nuts and smacks himself around waiting for the kick offs.:ols:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c3skUllW-U Good in coverage and TCU seems to put out some sleepers.

[da#1skinsfan]

Now that Vinny is gone I think we'll see some real succession planning by our FO. No more surprises when long-term starters begin to fail - we should be able to expect viable depth is developed in the next few years across the board.

Its unreal how people in this thread are talking about how we have no succession planning and no plan for Fletcher and ILB is a priority for us when there probably isn't a more CLEAR indication of proper succession planning in place than what occurred when VINNY drafted Blades in 2007 after signing Fletcher. Credit, both good and bad, is due, and this was a fantastic pick by Vinny, even if it doesnt work out, given the likelihood with Blades that it will for all the reasons I mentioned above.

Succession planning for MLB is the least of our worries - the entire OL, RB, and DE to name a few. I just dont get you guys.

[McSkin30]

I'm still not sure we'd be looking for straight 3-4 backers. It really seems like a hybrid system is in the works with Rak and Chris Wilson getting time rotating from end to OLB. Carter has played OLB as well. Shanny and Allen have talked repeatedly about tailoring the scheme to fit the players and there is obviously a significant level of talent inherent in guys like Fletcher, McIntosh, Blades, etc. Having smart, athletic, form tacklers that can adapt could be a much more significant advantage than just looking for guys that fit the concept.

[No_Pressure]

I think that Fletcher is one of those guys who is blessed like Favre or Darrell Green or Jerry Rice. I think that he could have another 2-3 good seasons left in him at this point which for a MLB with his kind of tackle numbers is huge. I think that we should be thinking about his replacement for sure, but I don't think that this year is the year to start looking for it. HB Blades is not the answer at MLB if Fletcher goes down IMO. HB is a capable backup however. I don't think we're planning on winning the superbowl next season so I think that our draft and FA targets should probably exclude MLB.

[mdboost]

I think Fletcher has a couple years left in him. He still runs around like he is 25. And I am actually not worried about Blades having to come in to give Fletcher a breather. He is the same mold and is getting valuable time to watch one of the best and learn. I think he will be ready, whether or not the redskins think he is the future.

[Perky72]

I feel like the team thinks, as long as he plays w/ the same intensity they'll save the talk for a later date. There's no speculation, there's no attempt to draft a capable LB or pickup a capable FA.

I hope his induction into the pro bowl is motivation to increase his longevity as a starting capable MLB. He'd be tough to replace.

well sure, he'd be tough to replace because he's very good. Doesn't mean you should draft/acquire a backup as good as him though. Redundancy is useless if Fletch continues to play well, and Blades is good enough to start even if a dropoff in quality.

There shouldn't be any attempt to draft a MLB with what is it, five picks and so many giant starting holes on offense. And I can't think of inexpensive free agents more capable than Blades at filling in; since we don't need to replace London getting a free agent better than Blades but not as good as London would probably be an unecessary expense at this point.

As far as I'm concerned the situation is already dealt with.

[NAC386]

Its unreal how people in this thread are talking about how we have no succession planning and no plan for Fletcher and ILB is a priority for us when there probably isn't a more CLEAR indication of proper succession planning in place than what occurred when VINNY drafted Blades in 2007 after signing Fletcher. Credit, both good and bad, is due, and this was a fantastic pick by Vinny, even if it doesnt work out, given the likelihood with Blades that it will for all the reasons I mentioned above.

Succession planning for MLB is the least of our worries - the entire OL, RB, and DE to name a few. I just dont get you guys.


We do need OL, RB, and DE. But we do also have a need to think of the future at other positions as well, just like the OP stated.

London Fletcher is great, but he is getting old. You could make the argument that Blades could be a good replacement for Fletcher in our 4-3 alignment. But all the talk has said we are looking to switch to 3-4. Blades is not ideal for a 3-4 at all, he is actually the opposite of ideal even if he is a good young player.

We DO have a need for linebacker on this squad, is it a top 3 need? That is up for debate. I do not think it's the top priority, but I think it does need to be addressed for us to run a 3-4 with the success we want. Not only do we need depth but ideally we need another starter too.

THe above post is kinda scary because it overlooks so many factors. What 3-4 team is successful without depth of talent at the LB position? What team runs a 3-4 with not one, but two 5'10 linebackers? I'm not saying to dispose of blades, but we definitely should be looking for more.

[NAC386]

well sure, he'd be tough to replace because he's very good. Doesn't mean you should draft/acquire a backup as good as him though. Redundancy is useless if Fletch continues to play well, and Blades is good enough to start even if a dropoff in quality.

There shouldn't be any attempt to draft a MLB with what is it, five picks and so many giant starting holes on offense. And I can't think of inexpensive free agents more capable than Blades at filling in; since we don't need to replace London getting a free agent better than Blades but not as good as London would probably be an unecessary expense at this point.

As far as I'm concerned the situation is already dealt with.


The better London Fletcher is, the better the back up needs to be. We put a TON of responsibility on Fletcher. That means if he can't play, there is a tremendous hole in our defense that a talented guy needs to fill. You can't put most of the responsibility on your best player and back him up with a chump, because if he goes down all that responsibility lies on that chump and disaster ensues. I'm not saying Blades sucks, he may be able to fill in nicely. But I hope people aren't assuming he's invincible and doesn't need quality depth behind him at 34.

EDIT: and in a 3-4, won't Blades already be on the field? Who are we going to use as LBs? 4 are on the field, are we really trying to say we don't need more linebackers to do this right?

[MassSkinsFan]

Its unreal how people in this thread are talking about how we have no succession planning and no plan for Fletcher and ILB is a priority for us when there probably isn't a more CLEAR indication of proper succession planning in place than what occurred when VINNY drafted Blades in 2007 after signing Fletcher. Credit, both good and bad, is due, and this was a fantastic pick by Vinny, even if it doesnt work out, given the likelihood with Blades that it will for all the reasons I mentioned above.

Succession planning for MLB is the least of our worries - the entire OL, RB, and DE to name a few. I just dont get you guys.

I'm not saying there is lack of SP at MLB - there is a noticeable gap elsewhere, especially on O. Sorry - didn't mean to confuse the matter.

[elkabong82]

Fletcher is like a good Honda, he performs well even with the high mileage. I think Blades could be a solid replacement whenever Fletch does decide to hang it up.

[Fletch_Lives59]

Blades has had his chances to be a starter and didn't make the cut, he's a special teamer for life......

[Perky72]

The better London Fletcher is, the better the back up needs to be. We put a TON of responsibility on Fletcher. That means if he can't play, there is a tremendous hole in our defense that a talented guy needs to fill. You can't put most of the responsibility on your best player and back him up with a chump, because if he goes down all that responsibility lies on that chump and disaster ensues. I'm not saying Blades sucks, he may be able to fill in nicely. But I hope people aren't assuming he's invincible and doesn't need quality depth behind him at 34.

EDIT: and in a 3-4, won't Blades already be on the field? Who are we going to use as LBs? 4 are on the field, are we really trying to say we don't need more linebackers to do this right?

Maybe we do, I think converting to a 34 is pretty damned stupid considering our offensive needs and maybe I missed something but didn't know it was an absolute certainty. But if that's the goal sure, draft a bunch of luxury and expensive defensive depth, hopefully slightly improving the D, have another anemic offense, lose games.

[da#1skinsfan]

We do need OL, RB, and DE. But we do also have a need to think of the future at other positions as well, just like the OP stated.

London Fletcher is great, but he is getting old. You could make the argument that Blades could be a good replacement for Fletcher in our 4-3 alignment. But all the talk has said we are looking to switch to 3-4. Blades is not ideal for a 3-4 at all, he is actually the opposite of ideal even if he is a good young player.

We DO have a need for linebacker on this squad, is it a top 3 need? That is up for debate. I do not think it's the top priority, but I think it does need to be addressed for us to run a 3-4 with the success we want. Not only do we need depth but ideally we need another starter too.

THe above post is kinda scary because it overlooks so many factors. What 3-4 team is successful without depth of talent at the LB position? What team runs a 3-4 with not one, but two 5'10 linebackers? I'm not saying to dispose of blades, but we definitely should be looking for more.

I dont disagree with any of the above, but none of it addresses my point, which is that people in this thread are talking as if, specifically, this is another case of the FO ignoring depth when there likely isnt a better and more well-prepared transition on the entire team than MLB. This was before the 3-4, this is just talking about replacing Fletcher and the Redskins plan to do so with Blades.

[elkabong82]

Blades has had his chances to be a starter and didn't make the cut, he's a special teamer for life......

When? any specific examples? He's been behind Fletch basically his entire career. Still early in his career to be so readily calling him a "STer for life" IMO.

[TheLongshot]

We do need OL, RB, and DE. But we do also have a need to think of the future at other positions as well, just like the OP stated.

London Fletcher is great, but he is getting old. You could make the argument that Blades could be a good replacement for Fletcher in our 4-3 alignment. But all the talk has said we are looking to switch to 3-4. Blades is not ideal for a 3-4 at all, he is actually the opposite of ideal even if he is a good young player.

We DO have a need for linebacker on this squad, is it a top 3 need? That is up for debate. I do not think it's the top priority, but I think it does need to be addressed for us to run a 3-4 with the success we want. Not only do we need depth but ideally we need another starter too.

THe above post is kinda scary because it overlooks so many factors. What 3-4 team is successful without depth of talent at the LB position? What team runs a 3-4 with not one, but two 5'10 linebackers? I'm not saying to dispose of blades, but we definitely should be looking for more.

Well, first off Blades and Fletcher wouldn't be back there at the same time. If they were doing something like that, I would suspect that McIntosh would move inside. (Before someone says he's undersized, he's bigger than Lawrence Timmons.)

I also don't quite get the "undersized" argument. Fletcher has been considered undersized his whole career, and that hasn't stopped him from being a great MLB.

[TheLongshot]

When? any specific examples? He's been behind Fletch basically his entire career. Still early in his career to be so readily calling him a "STer for life" IMO.

I guess some are suggesting that he "lost" the SLB job. Course, that wasn't going to be his considering the role it was going to play in the defense.

[MassSkinsFan]

I dont disagree with any of the above, but none of it addresses my point, which is that people in this thread are talking as if, specifically, this is another case of the FO ignoring depth when there likely isnt a better and more well-prepared transition on the entire team than MLB. This was before the 3-4, this is just talking about replacing Fletcher and the Redskins plan to do so with Blades.

I'll speak for myself here - the fact that Shanahallen will ensure that succession planning is adequate makes your point moot.

I'm not saying that there was no succession plan at MLB. I'm just saying that from here on out, there should be much less to worry about at all positions. Therefore, the OP is kind of pointless since we can expect a Plan B. Whether or not that Plan B was Vinny's idea is irrelevant.

[Ned Flanders]

Stop that crazy talk......

Junior Sea played in the league 19 years.....http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junior_Seau

London's got plenty of good years left in the tank.......

[Fletch_Lives59]

When? any specific examples? He's been behind Fletch basically his entire career. Still early in his career to be so readily calling him a "STer for life" IMO.


When Marcus got hurt..
When Rocky got hurt...

He played OLB in Dec. 2007 when Rocky got hurt and had 8 tackles for the whole month as a starter. Why isn't that every player the Skins draft is a WORK in porgress? That's why this team is crap now, draft a young player and get his *** in there...no excuses, thats all I hear, "we have a different coach every year and new players":beatdeadhorse:. It's football, run, kick, pass and tackle...

Wilson sees more time at linebacker then Blades and he is a DE, 3 years in the league can be some players careers before they start to bounce around the league....

[elkabong82]

When Marcus got hurt..
When Rocky got hurt...

He played OLB in Dec. 2007 when Rocky got hurt and had 8 tackles for the whole month as a starter. Why isn't that every player the Skins draft is a WORK in porgress? That's why this team is crap now, draft a young player and get his *** in there...no excuses, thats all I hear, "we have a different coach every year and new players":beatdeadhorse:. It's football, run, kick, pass and tackle...

Wilson sees more time at linebacker then Blades and he is a DE, 3 years in the league can be some players careers before they start to bounce around the league....

Blades is suited to the inside, which is why he has primarily been Fletch's back-up. He has done ok in relief duty on the outside, but he is a MLB, and is of the same build as Fletch. I don't imagine Fletcher would be as good on the outside either.

Wilson, on the other hand, is a speedy edge guy. He would get killed in the middle, but is great in spot relief on the outside. That's why he's also been mentioned in the 3-4 discussions as an outside guy. Wilson and Blades are 2 different types of LBers, and I think you may not be remembering that from your post here.

Most players drafted are a work in progress. Few come out of the gate swinging. Of course its easier to do well right away when the starter at your position goes down (like with Desean Jackson), but Fletch is a workhorse so Blades has to play 2nd fiddle. He's an unknown quantity that has looked good in spot relief but we don;t know that much outside of that. I happen to think since he's hung around as Fletch's back-up that it means he could fill in, I don't see where his situation means he is a guaranteed STer for life.

[NAC386]

Well, first off Blades and Fletcher wouldn't be back there at the same time. If they were doing something like that, I would suspect that McIntosh would move inside. (Before someone says he's undersized, he's bigger than Lawrence Timmons.)

I also don't quite get the "undersized" argument. Fletcher has been considered undersized his whole career, and that hasn't stopped him from being a great MLB.


London Fletcher is 1 in a hundred. Also, he plays in a 4-3. In a 4-3 he gets to run around while his DL takes up blocks. In a 3-4 there arent so many DL to take up blocks, which means he will have to fend off bigger players more often. I think he will be just fine, but like I said he is 1 in a hundred, and are we really expecting Blades to be London Fletcher? And if we just think he'll be serviceable, ML is NOT the position to just go for a "serviceable" guy.


No matter how we look at this, we still need talent at Linebacker. This board compains often about playing people "out of position" and now you're talking about putting ALL of our linebackers out of position (except Orakpo) because they aren't 3-4 guys by skillset or build.

[TheLongshot]

London Fletcher is 1 in a hundred. Also, he plays in a 4-3. In a 4-3 he gets to run around while his DL takes up blocks. In a 3-4 there arent so many DL to take up blocks, which means he will have to fend off bigger players more often. I think he will be just fine, but like I said he is 1 in a hundred, and are we really expecting Blades to be London Fletcher? And if we just think he'll be serviceable, ML is NOT the position to just go for a "serviceable" guy.

He may or may not be just "serviceable", but we won't know until he gets the opportunity. So far, he's had zero opportunities at MLB, but he's usually the first LB to go in when someone gets hurt.

Also, he isn't the only guy on the roster who can play MLB, with Henson on the roster. So far, he's had even less opportunity to make a mark.


No matter how we look at this, we still need talent at Linebacker. This board compains often about playing people "out of position" and now you're talking about putting ALL of our linebackers out of position (except Orakpo) because they aren't 3-4 guys by skillset or build.

Well, don't forget about Wilson, who probably would work well as an OLB in a 3-4. Also, Curtis Gatewood seems to be a solid candidate at OLB as well.

I was more talking about the inside and asking the question of what makes them too small, when both are pretty bulky guys.

[NAC386]

He may or may not be just "serviceable", but we won't know until he gets the opportunity. So far, he's had zero opportunities at MLB, but he's usually the first LB to go in when someone gets hurt.

Also, he isn't the only guy on the roster who can play MLB, with Henson on the roster. So far, he's had even less opportunity to make a mark.



Well, don't forget about Wilson, who probably would work well as an OLB in a 3-4. Also, Curtis Gatewood seems to be a solid candidate at OLB as well.

I was more talking about the inside and asking the question of what makes them too small, when both are pretty bulky guys.

I agree Blades has shown enough to deserve a fair shot at a starting role in whatever scheme. I also forgot about Wilson, who I've said in the past might be a great fit as a 3-4 OLB. Henson hasn't created any buzz so I'd be pretty surprised if he turns out to be more than a special teams guy.

[Rocky52Mc]

Lets not forget, we drafted HB Blades for this exact reason. Let him sit behind Fletch for a few years, and pick up what he's putting down. I dont think it was a coincidence that Blades is a Fletch clone.

I would be interested to hear London's thoughts on this in an interview.

Blades lacks not only proper physical traits like height (which fletcher makes up for) but he lacks MLB speed and coverage skills. He's a run stopper and that's about it.

[Rocky52Mc]

London Fletcher is 1 in a hundred. Also, he plays in a 4-3. In a 4-3 he gets to run around while his DL takes up blocks. In a 3-4 there arent so many DL to take up blocks, which means he will have to fend off bigger players more often. I think he will be just fine, but like I said he is 1 in a hundred, and are we really expecting Blades to be London Fletcher? And if we just think he'll be serviceable, ML is NOT the position to just go for a "serviceable" guy.


No matter how we look at this, we still need talent at Linebacker. This board compains often about playing people "out of position" and now you're talking about putting ALL of our linebackers out of position (except Orakpo) because they aren't 3-4 guys by skillset or build.

Disagree entirely with the last paragraph. Kind of sounds like you're just making up things for your point.

3 out of 4 of our linebackers RIGHT now could play in the 3-4. I'm sure it gets addressed this off-season, I don't know our staff or coaches personally so I can't tell you their inner thoughts like most seem to think they can.

1. Fletcher - Inside
2. Rocky - Inside
3. Orakpo - Outside

Possible

4. Chris Wilson - Outside

Believe me when I say that Rocky McIntosh can play the inside of a 3-4. Watch tape on his highlight plays, which include fumbles over the middle, interceptions over the middle, open field tackles IN THE MIDDLE. That's where his game is actually at. You want your possible replacement for London? He's the #1 candidate on the team. I don't mess around with this.

Rocky has EXCELLENT size to fill the position. Especially in the height department. To further my point here you go:

Rocky McIntosh: 6-2 240
London Fletcher: 5-10 245
Patrick Willis: 6-1 240
Jon Beason: 6-0 240
Ray Lewis: 6-1 250
Jerod Mayo: 6-1 245

[colt4qb]

When? any specific examples? He's been behind Fletch basically his entire career. Still early in his career to be so readily calling him a "STer for life" IMO.

Well on the same argument, that is no reason for him to be an excellent starter. People are bringing up this "Blade plays great at ST and also has the same body mold as Fletch" thinking that if Fletch goes down and he has to pick up backup duties, he'll be a mirror image of him.

I'm thinking Kary Campbell. He was a very great STer but never gained the trust of our coaching staff to become a starter. This is a good example of why good STers won't translate to excellent starters.

Additionally, just because Blades has the same body type, obviously he's not going to just come in and play like Fletch.

I'm agreeing w/ most people here stating that MLB is not a priority. But it needs to be addressed, perhaps not passively

[The Cowboy Bamma Rocker]

lol R52 YOURE not biased at all...

[colt4qb]

Stop that crazy talk......

Junior Sea played in the league 19 years.....http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junior_Seau

London's got plenty of good years left in the tank.......


19 years. Woohoo. That doens't mean Fletch will play 19 years. Expecting him to stay that long wouldn't be a realistic assesment.

The way we play offense, the defense is obviously going to be on the field more. Our defense is probably more worn out than most at the end of the season. We are NOT THE PATRIOTS.

[Rocky52Mc]

lol R52 YOURE not biased at all...

In 9/10 of my posts on Rocky, I usually state that it's obvious I have favoritism towards him, that being said I posted statistics and supplied valid information. I'm not gonna one or two line on something of this degree. I believe I spit the truth.

[Skins93077]

I would love to get spoon from mizzu his leadership at the senior bowl won me over

[Swift]

Fletch also really can't match up in space with quicker RBs anymore. He's still fast, but he's not as fast as he was 10 years ago. We need to consider MLB a priority sooner rather than later. I can't put it above our problems on the OL, but its up there.

Yeah, it does look like Fletch has lost a step or two out there. He can still play at a high level, but we do need to start thinking about his replacement.

I'm not sold on Blades. He doesn't hit as hard or move as fluidly as Fletch. Solid tackler and plays smart, but not sure he's athletic enough.

[bulldog]

Fletcher is not an issue for the team in 2010, but moving to the 3-4 there will be TWO inside backers and McIntosh at 229 appears a bit small to fill the spot next to Fletcher.

It is not Fletcher but the OTHER position next to him that I expect to see some movement toward bringing in a younger player or veteran FA.

[REDSKINZ-RIDEORDIE]

I think that Fletcher is one of those guys who is blessed like Favre or Darrell Green or Jerry Rice. I think that he could have another 2-3 good seasons left in him at this point which for a MLB with his kind of tackle numbers is huge. I think that we should be thinking about his replacement for sure, but I don't think that this year is the year to start looking for it. HB Blades is not the answer at MLB if Fletcher goes down IMO. HB is a capable backup however. I don't think we're planning on winning the superbowl next season so I think that our draft and FA targets should probably exclude MLB.


Totally agree....I say we ride it all the way out until Fletchers play is too bad that he can no longer start. Right now, he looks like he has like another good 3-4 years left.

[Rocky52Mc]

Fletcher is not an issue for the team in 2010, but moving to the 3-4 there will be TWO inside backers and McIntosh at 229 appears a bit small to fill the spot next to Fletcher.

It is not Fletcher but the OTHER position next to him that I expect to see some movement toward bringing in a younger player or veteran FA.

McIntosh is 240.

"New defensive coordinator Jim Haslett believes MLB London Fletcher would make a smooth transition if the Redskins switch to a 3-4.
Fletcher did get some experience in Buffalo's 3-4 during the mid-2000s. Haslett indicated that much of the personnel is already in place on the Skins' roster if they do switch alignments. In the 3-4, usual WLB Rocky McIntosh would likely be the "Jack" linebacker, with Fletcher staying at the "Mike.""

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=Nfl&id=3929

It's my opinion that McIntosh can actually play Will, Jack, Mike or Sam. I think he would fit EXCELLENT at Will, but I'm not the coach. If he's at Jack, he'll still BALL.