36-year-old linebacker leads NFL in tackles ASHBURN — During a summertime practice a month before the season started, the first-team defense was facing the No. 1 offense and the latter was moving down the field. It happens. It’s just a practice. Yet there was linebacker London Fletcher imploring the defense to stop them, shouting at them to not let the offense score.
It was a competition on a football field. Fletcher wanted to win.
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“That’s just how I am,” he said. “I love to compete. I don’t want to give up points. I want to stop the offense whoever it is. That’s what sport is all about, competing against another person, competing against another opponent.”
– John Keim
| Redskins notes |
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| The Redskins promoted defensive end Doug Worthington and tight end Rob Myers from the practice squad and released tight end Dominique Byrd. For Myers, it represents the end of a nearly three-year journey to make a roster spot. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Jets in 2009. He’s been cut by them as well as Philadelphia, New England, Buffalo and Indianapolis. “It sounds clich?, but it was the best Christmas present,” Myers said of the moment he found out he was promoted. Worthington has spent all season on the Redskins’ practice squad. He too hasn’t been on an active roster but has only been cut by two teams in his two seasons. |
| » Cornerback Josh Wilson was able to practice, two days after feeling “woozy” after a hit vs. New York. Right tackle Jammal Brown (groin) was limited. Running back Roy Helu (toe/knee) participated in individual drills only, but coach Mike Shanahan said he expected him to practice Wednesday. |
And that competition continues to drive Fletcher, which is why he’s continuing to play at a high level. Fletcher leads the NFL with 146 tackles, which is impressive considering he averaged just 5.5 tackles in the first four games. Since that time he’s averaged 12.4 a game.
He became more comfortable as a 3-4 inside linebacker. He also got more help from the defensive front, with the additions of nose tackle Barry Cofield and end Stephen Bowen. But Fletcher also helped himself by his preparation during the week, the way he stays in shape and the knowledge gained over 14 seasons.
“My approach was no different five years ago than it is now,” he said.
The question is, where will he be next season? Fletcher will be a free agent after the season and has made it clear he wants to return. The Redskins say they want him back. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said last week that the coaches have talked to general manager Bruce Allen about this topic.
“He knows he’s one of the guys that have to be back,” Haslett said. “And I know he’s committed to getting him back.”
Fletcher said, “Talk is one thing. I’ve got faith in two things. I have faith in Christ, and I have faith in me. Beyond that I have faith in nothing else. I’ve expressed my desire. If they want me here they’ll show me.”
And yes, the losing in Washington has frustrated him. But several weeks ago Fletcher said he wanted his legacy to include a turnaround in Washington. That hasn’t changed. Plus, he said there’s no guarantee he’d win elsewhere. When he played for St. Louis, the Rams went from 4-12 in 1998 to Super Bowl champions the following season.
Besides, the Redskins don’t want to lose what Fletcher offers. He starts alongside three other linebackers who are all 25 years old or younger. Not only can he guide them on the field, he can show them what it takes to play at a high level.
“[Fletcher is] one of the best players I’ve been around as a whole,” Haslett said. “I’m talking about a student of the game, a guy that does it on the field and a leader in the clubhouse.”
Linebacker Brian Orakpo said, “Just the intensity and the way he’s around every ball, making tackles all across the field. That’s impressive. He’s non-stop. You try to match his intensity, then he takes it to another level. … I hope he’s here until I’m done. The way he plays makes everyone on that defense play at a high level as well.”
During the group interview, Fletcher started to take off his shirt. The Redskins don’t permit players to be interviewed with their shirt off and asked the cameras to stop rolling.
“I want cameras on, on this 36-year-old body,” Fletcher said proudly.
Fletcher’s body looks like it did when he was younger. His mind is probably sharper, allowing him to read plays faster, cheating to a side when he anticipates a play. His passion still burns.
“I love the game. I’ve always been a film rat so watching film, it’s an opportunity for me to look at football. [That] doesn’t get old to me,” Fletcher said. “I’ve got high expectations of myself. When I watch film I’m very critical, but I still see myself playing at a very high level. I still compete with the young guys.”
