How Many PPG Will The Defense Allow?

[SirLK26]

Originally Posted by skinsfan69

Fletcher was the leader of a bad defense. Riley has been there for a few years now. He should be able to be a leader now. Plus we need an athlete at ILB that can cover a TE. Personally I'm glad we have some new blood in there.

Fletcher was obviously very near the end of his career last season, but in the mental department he was the best player we had. And I just don't think Riley is the type of person that can be an emotional leader like #59 was. Also, like I said, Fletcher's career was obviously close to being over, but the fact remains that he put up 111 tackles. Sure, he may have missed a ton too, but that kind of production won't be easily replaced. It's sort of like the Eagles fans who justify letting DeSean go by saying, "Oh, he disappeared from games," and, "All you have to do is jam him at the line and he quits." Whatever bro, not gonna argue that, because 80-1300-9 obviously proves that he disappeared quite a bit.

Bottom line: right now it's fun to say, "I'm glad we've got some new blood in there", but it might not be so fun once September rolls around.

Edit: <puts homer glasses on> Although, looking long-term, I think an ILB duo of Riley/Robinson has a ton of potential.