A Few Words About London Fletcher....

[The Goat]

I would suggest the Redskins need Fletcher far more than he needs them i.e. the defense will fall to pieces without him at this point.

[Chico23231]

Originally Posted by The Goat

I would suggest the Redskins need Fletcher far more than he needs them i.e. the defense will fall to pieces without him at this point.

let's hope so, right?

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by Chico23231

let's hope so, right?

?? Hopefully he stays for one more year at least and is open to a restructure so the teams not hamstrung cap-wise. But I guess the bottom line is even if he won't restructure, we still need to retain him at the higher salary. He's the undisputed emotional and hands-on tactical leader of the defense. There's just nobody to shore up the middle and take the reigns at this point. Riley could be there in a year or two maybe? But if Fletch isn't here for 2013, who's playing next to Riley in the middle in 2013? I don't think that guy is on the squad, so it would be yet another (impact) player we need to add in draft or FA.

All that aside, I think the options to replace Fletcher in 2014 can be really good. Maybe Robinson can be that guy, but I'd put my money on Rob Jackson if we keep him and Rak.

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by The Goat

?? Hopefully he stays for one more year at least and is open to a restructure so the teams not hamstrung cap-wise. But I guess the bottom line is even if he won't restructure, we still need to retain him at the higher salary. He's the undisputed emotional and hands-on tactical leader of the defense. There's just nobody to shore up the middle and take the reigns at this point. Riley could be there in a year or two maybe? But if Fletch isn't here for 2013, who's playing next to Riley in the middle in 2013? I don't think that guy is on the squad, so it would be yet another (impact) player we need to add in draft or FA.

All that aside, I think the options to replace Fletcher in 2014 can be really good. Maybe Robinson can be that guy, but I'd put my money on Rob Jackson if we keep him and Rak.

I disagree, I think we saw some quality glimpses at the LB spot across the board, and while we may drop a bit in production, AND no one will replace Fletch in all the ways he is important to the team, if he decides to move on, then I believe we can find some players to step up. Of course, that's because I like the depth we have been drafting, not just the topline guys.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by The Goat

?? Hopefully he stays for one more year at least and is open to a restructure so the teams not hamstrung cap-wise. But I guess the bottom line is even if he won't restructure, we still need to retain him at the higher salary. He's the undisputed emotional and hands-on tactical leader of the defense. There's just nobody to shore up the middle and take the reigns at this point. Riley could be there in a year or two maybe? But if Fletch isn't here for 2013, who's playing next to Riley in the middle in 2013? I don't think that guy is on the squad, so it would be yet another (impact) player we need to add in draft or FA.

All that aside, I think the options to replace Fletcher in 2014 can be really good. Maybe Robinson can be that guy, but I'd put my money on Rob Jackson if we keep him and Rak.

So Perry Riley can't do that now? He's in his 3rd or 4th year? If he can't do what Fletch can then why is he on the team? The show must go on. I think the mentality around here is that backups on this team aren't capable. Well we saw that some of them are capable. I hope Fletcher comes back, but if he doesn't then his replacement should be ready. The FO should have a plan to replace a starting LB in his upper 30's and I'd be shocked if they didn't.

[SolidSnake84]

Why does it have to Fletcher's last year? I know he is old but it's not like he's playing with bad injuries. He is still very healthy and very productive. He takes care of himself I could see him going 2, maybe 3 more seasons. Does Fletcher want to get out of football? I mean is he tired of the game??

[HailGreen28]

Originally Posted by SolidSnake84

Why does it have to Fletcher's last year? I know he is old but it's not like he's playing with bad injuries. He is still very healthy and very productive. He takes care of himself I could see him going 2, maybe 3 more seasons. Does Fletcher want to get out of football? I mean is he tired of the game??

I agree, even though I get that Fletch wasn't even able to practice the last part of the season. I guess maybe the team and he can't go on trying to play like that? Still wish Fletch could come back, and keep his health for the remainder of his career and afterwards.

[CrazyCanuck]

Originally Posted by The Goat

Hopefully he stays for one more year at least and is open to a restructure so the teams not hamstrung cap-wise. But I guess the bottom line is even if he won't restructure, we still need to retain him at the higher salary. He's the undisputed emotional and hands-on tactical leader of the defense. There's just nobody to shore up the middle and take the reigns at this point.

I'm buying the goat's milk on this one. I totally agree with this.

My guess is Fletch stays for one more year, maybe with a Lewis-like preseason announcement so he can take a (well deserved) victory lap around the league. I don't see a restructure happening. We wouldn't save that much and Fletch isn't the type of guy you force to restructure. $6.2M it is, fair deal.

Not sure about my boy Santana at $6.3M though...

[REDSKINS4ever]

Originally Posted by The Goat

I would suggest the Redskins need Fletcher far more than he needs them i.e. the defense will fall to pieces without him at this point.

True and not true...I think the Redskins can live without Fletcher. Keenan Robinson or someone else will eventually replace him and be exactly what Antonio Pierce was before Fletcher arrived in Washington.....but Fletcher is one of a kind and can't be totally replaced until Robinson or Lorenzo Alexander can match his wit, will, and intensity out there on the field. But I think one of the two or perhaps both of them can fill that role.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by The Goat

I would suggest the Redskins need Fletcher far more than he needs them i.e. the defense will fall to pieces without him at this point.

The defense isn't going to fall apart w/out Fletcher. Let's not go overboard.

[Chico23231]

Originally Posted by skinsfan69

The defense isn't going to fall apart w/out Fletcher. Let's not go overboard.

The life perserver is on its last legs from months at sea.