Linebacker will play in 200th straight game
Maybe that’s why even his own defensive coordinator did not realize what Fletcher has done. On Sunday, he’ll play his 200th straight game (and 159th straight start), the second-longest streak in the NFL. By the following week, thanks to the bye, Indianapolis’ Peyton Manning and Tampa Bay’s Ronde Barber will tie him. For now, he’ll be all alone behind Minnesota’s Brett Favre (291). The streak does not include playoff games, nor are specialists included.
“It’s just something that I do,” said Fletcher, who has never missed a game in his 13-year career. “I’ve been blessed. God gave me great genes, a fair amount of toughness and I really don’t want to let my teammates down. I can’t imagine not being out there with them.”
There haven’t been many close calls. The Associated Press reported that he has been listed on the injury report only 14 times. Fletcher remembered a time in Buffalo when a hamstring left him doubtful, but he played the whole game.
“That’s a lot of games,” Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said. “I didn’t know that — 200 straight. That’s an amazing number for any linebacker. The production and what he’s done, that’s big time.
“He’s the hardest working guy I’ve ever been around, the smartest linebacker. He can make adjustments in the middle of the game. You can talk to him and he knows exactly what you’re trying to do. He’s about as good as it gets. I don’t think he’s lost anything. I’m amazed.”
Fletcher, coming off his first Pro Bowl appearance, is tied for the Redskins’ lead in tackles with 68. He also has 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
“That guy is a warrior,” Redskins linebacker Lorenzo Alexander said. “It doesn’t surprise me. You see how hard he works, what he does to take care of himself. He plays through a lot of injuries. I don’t think he gets enough credit.”
