London Fletcher Leads Unheralded Defense
London's calling and the plays he calls and leadership he provides has the defense containing opposing offenses. Through the first six games of the season the front four has failed to provide any consistent pass rush. As a result, more pressure is placed on the linebackers and secondary.
London's veteran leadership and intensity has established the linebacker group as the core of the defense. Most teams are fortunate to have one player that can play all three positions at linebacker. The Redskins have two players - Khary Campbell and H.B. Blades. The constant has been Fletcher stuffing big runs and mentoring the younger players.
With the exception of Fincher, a special teams standout, all of the linebackers have started or played significant time thus far this season due to players dealing with nagging injuries or recovering from surgery. The group has been able to sustain a high level of play regardless of who is in the lineup. Kirk Olivadotti (Linebackers Coach)should also receive high praise as he's prepared the entire group game in and game out with a revolving door of starters.
Landry has also made great strides in covering for his teammates weaknesses by limiting the deep balls and big plays as he transitioned to the role formerly occupied by Taylor. The growth of Landry compliments the leadership and play of Fletcher as the back seven and more notably the linebackers, Landry, and Springs continue to cover for the lack of any pass rush despite injuries. No one player on the team has more than one sack. The team only has eight sacks in total coming into today's game. With more injuries in the secondary, once again the linebackers and Landry will have to cover for the rest of the defense with another team starting to regain confidence and success in their offense.
