Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=jdlea;988776]I know everyone has been saying that London has lost a step and can't cover tight ends. Even though I think that's true and I kind of always thought he was a liability in coverage, does anyone think it was made worse by his ankle injury? I feel like that hasn't been addressed at all, but he was missing practice and listed on the injury report all the way up through the Wild Card game. I read somewhere that he was in a walking boot when he left the stadium after a few games that he had played in. I feel like that had to limit his effectiveness considerably.

Just something to consider.[/quote]

London was pretty banged up throughout the season. My concern about London leaving is that it seems that Haslett gave him more room to change things around in the defense and make adjustment. That seemed to work well in the 7-game winning stretch. I don't know who else could do that on the team.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

He's still a great defensive leader, he will still be next season.

I agree he's done great service for the Redskins and I wish him well, but.....

It's like watching the end of Old Yeller again.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=Ruhskins;988778]London was pretty banged up throughout the season. My concern about London leaving is that it seems that Haslett gave him more room to change things around in the defense and make adjustment. That seemed to work well in the 7-game winning stretch. I don't know who else could do that on the team.[/quote]

I really like Perry Riley, and I think he may step up. He won't be LF, no one will, but I think he can be more than just a cog too.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;988791]I really like Perry Riley, and I think he may step up. He won't be LF, no one will, but I think he can be more than just a cog too.[/quote]

I like him too, I think he could approach London's production, but, as Ruhskins said, I'm more concerned about play calling and recognizing when to audible than I am about who's going to make the tackles.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=Lotus;988774]Good for him. I'll bet that he is good at it. If he's not thinking about life after football, he's uncharacteristically not thinking clearly.[/quote]

I agree. I also don't see how this necessarily has any basis on his decision to come back and play in 2013. He could love it, do very well at it, and just decide its something he wants to do whenever he retires down the road.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

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.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

i forgot how it works on the cap when a player retires, is it essentially the same as cutting the player? dead cap?

there shouldn't be a penalty if a player retires. anyone know how it works?

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=los panda;988851]i forgot how it works on the cap when a player retires, is it essentially the same as cutting the player? dead cap?

there shouldn't be a penalty if a player retires. anyone know how it works?[/quote]

When a player retires you take the hit, just like if he was cut.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=Mattyk;988853]When a player retires you take the hit, just like if he was cut.[/quote]if fletch rides off into the sunset, what kind of hit do we take? [URL="http://www.thewarpath.net/WarpathRedskinsCap.htm"]$2.8M[/URL]?

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=The Goat;988850]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.[/quote]

let's hope so, right?

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=Chico23231;988857]let's hope so, right?[/quote]

?? 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.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=los panda;988856]if fletch rides off into the sunset, what kind of hit do we take? [URL="http://www.thewarpath.net/WarpathRedskinsCap.htm"]$2.8M[/URL]?[/quote]

Correct.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=CrazyCanuck;988865]Correct.[/quote]yikes, what kind of hit did we take when deion retired? he was only 1 year into his contract, right? was it 7 year/$56M ($8M signing bonus)?

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=The Goat;988861]?? 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?[B] I don't think that guy is on the squad[/B], 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.[/quote]
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.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=The Goat;988850]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.[/quote]

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.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

fletch will be back .. hes got that ray lewis type fired up ability to get team amped and during game he is on field coach. i know it will be last year, thats ok gives him one more year to get riley,robinson,alexander ready. People are quick to write guys off, well Ravens are in afc champ game and if you dont think ray ray has a little something to do with that your crazy.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=The Goat;988850]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.[/quote]

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

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=skinsfan69;989026]The defense isn't going to fall apart w/out Fletcher. [B]Let's not go overboard[/B].[/quote]

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

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=The Goat;988861]?? 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. [B]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? [/B]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.[/quote]

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.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

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??

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=SolidSnake84;989548]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??[/quote]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 [B][U]wish[/U][/B] Fletch could come back, and keep his health for the remainder of his career and afterwards.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=los panda;988871]yikes, what kind of hit did we take when deion retired? he was only 1 year into his contract, right? was it 7 year/$56M ($8M signing bonus)?[/quote]

Deion was a couple years before my cap sheets so I don't remember what the deapcap hit was (and am too lazy to look it up). But I imagine it was a lot more than $2.8M.

Compared to our deadcap hits in the past, $2.8M is a drop in the bucket.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=CrazyCanuck;989625]Deion was a couple years before my cap sheets so I don't remember what the deapcap hit was (and am too lazy to look it up). But I imagine it was a lot more than $2.8M.

Compared to our deadcap hits in the past, $2.8M is a drop in the bucket.[/quote]

Try 8 for Deion, though I think it was negotiated down somehow when he went to the Ravens if I recall

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=The Goat;988861]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.[/quote]

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...

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=SmootSmack;989630]Try 8 for Deion, though I think it was negotiated down somehow when he went to the Ravens if I recall[/quote]

They also implemented the "deion rule" which limited the signing bonus and amount of $ you can push to future years.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=SmootSmack;989630]Try 8 for Deion, though I think it was negotiated down somehow when he went to the Ravens if I recall[/quote]does this story check out?

"Sanders played one season with the Redskins, having four interceptions before retiring in 2001. Late in the 2002 NFL season Sanders contemplated a return to the NFL, specifically to the Oakland Raiders. With his rights still the property of the Redskins, he lobbied and received his release from the team and was waived. The San Diego Chargers claimed Sanders' rights and placed him on their Reserve-Retired List. Sanders opted to stay retired."

"In 2004, Sanders announced that he was going to end his retirement, after being lured back to football by Ravens cornerback Corey Fuller, linebacker Ray Lewis and best friend Joe Zorovich. He signed a 1-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens to be a nickelback."

is that true? we released/waived his rights for no reason? then the chargers got his rights? wouldn't the chargers have still had his rights in 2004, when he wanted to join the ravens?

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=los panda;989734]does this story check out?

"Sanders played one season with the Redskins, having four interceptions before retiring in 2001. Late in the 2002 NFL season Sanders contemplated a return to the NFL, specifically to the Oakland Raiders. With his rights still the property of the Redskins, he lobbied and received his release from the team and was waived. The San Diego Chargers claimed Sanders' rights and placed him on their Reserve-Retired List. Sanders opted to stay retired."

"In 2004, Sanders announced that he was going to end his retirement, after being lured back to football by Ravens cornerback Corey Fuller, linebacker Ray Lewis and best friend Joe Zorovich. He signed a 1-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens to be a nickelback."

is that true? we released/waived his rights for no reason? then the chargers got his rights? wouldn't the chargers have still had his rights in 2004, when he wanted to join the ravens?[/quote]

San Diego only claimed him to block him from going to the Raiders. By the time he wanted to come back for the Ravens, Im sure that his people already had it cleared with San Diego before he even announced his comeback.

As for the Skins waiving him for no reason. Smoot said he thought it was negotiated down when he went to the Ravens. I thought, and could certainly be wrong, that we negotiated money back from Deion when he asked for his release (In the attempt to go to the Raiders). The fact that San Diego blocked that move didnt really matter to anything Skins related. All we cared is that we got some of that cap space back.

Heres the main question I have. Even though Deion was retired, wouldnt the Raiders talking to him be considered tampering due to the fact that his rights were still the Redskins?

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

100 % guarantee you will see #59 back on the field for the 2013-2014 season, He's far too good to retire. should have gone to another Pro Bowl. He was our best defensive player again this year. He's worth the 6 million or whatever it is. He's still got plenty left

[QUOTE=RGIII10/ALMO46;989861]100 % guarantee you will see #59 back on the field for the 2013-2014 season, He's far too good to retire. should have gone to another Pro Bowl. He was our best defensive player again this year. He's worth the 6 million or whatever it is. He's still got plenty left[/QUOTE]

He is in the pro bowl

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=RGIII10/ALMO46;989861]100 % guarantee you will see #59 back on the field for the 2013-2014 season, He's far too good to retire. should have gone to another Pro Bowl. He was our best defensive player again this year. He's worth the 6 million or whatever it is. He's still got plenty left[/quote]

London didn't practice hardly at all during the stretch run of the season. I think he injured his ankle in the first Eagles game. But he played ferociously when it mattered the most. If Fletcher returns, as I believe he will, it will be because he knows how close this Redskins team is in contending for a Super Bowl. That alone would have to factor in his decision to keep playing...

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=skinsfaninok;989862]He is in the pro bowl[/quote]

No he isn't. Bowman and Willis are for the moment.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=REDSKINS4ever;989901]London didn't practice hardly at all during the stretch run of the season. I think he injured his ankle in the first Eagles game. But he played ferociously when it mattered the most. If Fletcher returns, as I believe he will, it will be because he knows how close this Redskins team is in contending for a Super Bowl. That alone would have to factor in his decision to keep playing...[/quote]

Given London's age, and his work ethic in the film room. I think him practicing less, or not at all, is in the cards for next year if he plays. He has plenty of experience to where practice isnt exactly going to be teaching him anything. He will fully understand the game plan through his normal preparation. Other than to get the other starting 10 used to the full defense, the less wear and tear on him, the better off he is imo.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

A class act on and off the field. The league and sports in general need more London Fletchers.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=Skinzman;989913]Given London's age, and his work ethic in the film room. I think him practicing less, or not at all, is in the cards for next year if he plays. He has plenty of experience to where practice isnt exactly going to be teaching him anything. He will fully understand the game plan through his normal preparation. Other than to get the other starting 10 used to the full defense, the less wear and tear on him, the better off he is imo.[/quote]

He's a professional so he will participate in team practices. The only reason he didn't practice down the season's stretch run was because of that bum ankle. Otherwise London would have practiced.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

Fletcher and Kerrigan are headed to the Pro Bowl

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;990044]Fletcher and Kerrigan are headed to the Pro Bowl[/QUOTE]

I think Fletch was first alternate but I had no idea Kerrigan was an alternate. Good for him.

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

Glad they both are in there...really wish Alfred was in there as well, he was more than deserving...

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

Still am finding it surprising Kerrigan made it

Why wouldn't Morris make it since Gore won't be playing?

Re: A Few Words About London Fletcher....
 

[quote=skinsguy;990065]Why wouldn't Morris make it since Gore won't be playing?[/quote]

Isn't Morris first alternate too? If that's the case he made it.