A Few Words About London Fletcher....

[calia]

I don't see a vet minimum for him, and we'd be fools to push for that (for Moss or Hall either, for that matter -- their individual play warrants more than the vet min). But I might imagine he could re-structure, and assuming he decides to come back, he has to like his chances of getting back to the post-season next year and, as we all know, in the post-season just about anything can happen.

It is hard to overstate his value on the field in terms of how he directs the defense. Countless times this season -- especially during the streak -- we'd see him dash to the line, wave his hands and direct guys re: coverage and blitzing, to good effect. I think we have some good LBs on the team -- Perry Riley made real strides this year, Rob Jackson showed some playmaking ability, and Kerrigan was solid albeit not spectacular. But none of the guys we have on defense can fulfill that "coach on the field" role. And that seems to be a hallmark of some of the very best defenses -- think of John Lynch for the Bucs, Ray Lewis for the Ravens, and Brian Urlacher for the Bears. A savvy veteran who understands the game so well is really vital (you need that in your QB as well, and I think we're in good shape there). But I am not sure we have that on D other than London.