Redskins-dot-comOne of the steadiest and most productive positions on the Redskins' defense last year was inside linebacker.
Starters London Fletcher and Rocky McIntosh finished first and second on the team with 188 and 155 tackles, respectively.
As long as he is healthy, Fletcher is the likely starter at one inside linebacker position. A respected team leader, he has earned Pro Bowl berths each of the last two years.
However, it’s uncertain if McIntosh – as well as veteran backup H.B. Blades – will be back with the team next season.
If McIntosh departs, the Redskins could look internally for a replacement.
In addition to Fletcher, McIntosh and Blades, the roster of inside linebackers includes third-year player Robert Henson and second-year player Perry Riley.
Combined, they have appeared in 14 career games, with no starts, and posted nine tackles. Their contributions have been primarily on special teams.
One advantage this group has, however, is youth.
“We’d like to have guys on the younger side,” head coach Mike Shanahan said after last season. “Number one will be character – besides playing ability – and hopefully some youth. We want to have people that enjoy playing football and we want to be an organization that is going to give them the best chance to win.”
Riley made a favorable impression on the coaching staff in limited action. The fourth-round pick compiled three tackles on defense and seven on special teams.
His most notable play was a disappointing one, though; he was flagged for an illegal block on a punt return by Brandon Banks, nullifying a touchdown.
Henson was playing at a high level in preseason last year before a knee injury derailed his season. In the Redskins’ preseason finale vs. Arizona, he logged seven tackles and a sack in one half.
Coaches saw enough from Henson to put him on injured reserve – instead of an injury settlement and release – to give him another chance in 2011.
Blades has been a consistent force on special teams during his tenure with the Redskins. His best season on defense came in 2008 when he started five games at linebacker.
Question Marks At Inside Linebacker
- 1niksder
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Question Marks At Inside Linebacker
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- redskins14ru
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London is getting older too. Does this all mean the London bridge is
falling down, or do we all see Mr. Fletcher, again, have a stellar season. Better, this year he gets a 75 yard td on an INt in the fourth quarter against lets say the Iggles.
IF FLETCHER IS NOT GETTING IT DONE THIS SEASON, IF RILEY IS A REGULAR AND GETS REPS ON DEFEANSE, THEN, THE SKINS ARE WEAK AT LINEBACKER.
falling down, or do we all see Mr. Fletcher, again, have a stellar season. Better, this year he gets a 75 yard td on an INt in the fourth quarter against lets say the Iggles.
IF FLETCHER IS NOT GETTING IT DONE THIS SEASON, IF RILEY IS A REGULAR AND GETS REPS ON DEFEANSE, THEN, THE SKINS ARE WEAK AT LINEBACKER.
I love watching and waiting to see what the hecks going on.
god blessed us with # 59 ... go skins
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god blessed us with # 59 ... go skins
REDSKINS FOOTBALL RULES
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Robert Henson should get reps before Riley, but Fletcher won't be able to play both ILB spots. If Rocky doesn't return then the team is definitely weak at Linebacker.redskins14ru wrote: IF FLETCHER IS NOT GETTING IT DONE THIS SEASON, IF RILEY IS A REGULAR AND GETS REPS ON DEFEANSE, THEN, THE SKINS ARE WEAK AT LINEBACKER.
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When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hold on....
If the world didn't suck we'd all fall off
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When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hold on....
If the world didn't suck we'd all fall off
London will have his usual stellar season and Riley will prove to be steal as a 4th round draft choice. With Blades, Henson, and Alexander, possibly in the mix, going into camp, the Skins are not weak at inside linebacker. To me, the question is how strong will they be. They all will have the benefit of having one year of this defense under their belts.redskins14ru wrote:London is getting older too. Does this all mean the London bridge is
falling down, or do we all see Mr. Fletcher, again, have a stellar season. Better, this year he gets a 75 yard td on an INt in the fourth quarter against lets say the Iggles.
IF FLETCHER IS NOT GETTING IT DONE THIS SEASON, IF RILEY IS A REGULAR AND GETS REPS ON DEFEANSE, THEN, THE SKINS ARE WEAK AT LINEBACKER.
I don't know if the old man has 75 yards non stop in his legs, but I would love to see it.
Rocky acts like he wants to return, joining the player-organized workouts.1niksder wrote:Robert Henson should get reps before Riley, but Fletcher won't be able to play both ILB spots. If Rocky doesn't return then the team is definitely weak at Linebacker.redskins14ru wrote: IF FLETCHER IS NOT GETTING IT DONE THIS SEASON, IF RILEY IS A REGULAR AND GETS REPS ON DEFEANSE, THEN, THE SKINS ARE WEAK AT LINEBACKER.
I'd put Blades ahead of either Henson or Riley.
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Has Blades, Henson or Riley ever started?
What has Rocky done in the off season? Maybe, he will be yoked and about 15 pounds heavier ready to bang some heads. Either way still a go getter!!!
My original point being guys was that without Fletcher the skins will need a solid performance each week from the guys in the middle of the Defense; as of now, they have a lot to prove. The defensive scheme will be fun to watch this year. To see just how good the linebackers as a unit perform. Bottom line there is a ton of talent on the defense. Rocky M. returning will be awesome, I hope to see him around for years to come.
What has Rocky done in the off season? Maybe, he will be yoked and about 15 pounds heavier ready to bang some heads. Either way still a go getter!!!
My original point being guys was that without Fletcher the skins will need a solid performance each week from the guys in the middle of the Defense; as of now, they have a lot to prove. The defensive scheme will be fun to watch this year. To see just how good the linebackers as a unit perform. Bottom line there is a ton of talent on the defense. Rocky M. returning will be awesome, I hope to see him around for years to come.
Last edited by redskins14ru on Mon Jun 06, 2011 12:59 am, edited 1 time in total.
I love watching and waiting to see what the hecks going on.
god blessed us with # 59 ... go skins
REDSKINS FOOTBALL RULES
god blessed us with # 59 ... go skins
REDSKINS FOOTBALL RULES
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As the article states, Henson was rockin before he hurt his knee. I am looking forward to seeing what he has this year. I also like Riley.
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Bladed has started due to injuries & did a decent job.redskins14ru wrote:Has Blades, Henson or Riley ever started?
What has Rocky done in the off season? Maybe, he will be yoked and about 15 pounds heavier ready to bang some heads. Either way still a go getter!!!
My original point being guys was that without Fletcher the skins will need a solid performance each week from the guys in the middle of the Defense; as of now, they have a lot to prove. The defensive scheme will be fun to watch this year. To see just how good the linebackers as a unit perform. Bottom line there is a ton of talent on the defense. Rocky M. returning will be awesome, I hope to see him around for years to come.
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I dont think we are particularly weak at ILB compared to other positions on the team. At least for this year. If somthing happens to Fletch. that changes dramaticly of course.
We had an opportunity to grab Casey Mattews who I felt would have been perfect to groom as Fletchers replacement. I hope that doesnt bite us in the behind. I believe we took Helu in that spot.
IMO anyone who carries the Matthews name and could have played behind or next to London for a year or 2 was alot more of a sure thing. And would have gone a long way toward a strong, young LB corps for years to come. much the way Detroit has handled their D-line.
Im not saying Helu cant or wont suceed, just not the move I would have made. Whomever replaces London, needs to play with the man for a year or 2.
2 cents
We had an opportunity to grab Casey Mattews who I felt would have been perfect to groom as Fletchers replacement. I hope that doesnt bite us in the behind. I believe we took Helu in that spot.
IMO anyone who carries the Matthews name and could have played behind or next to London for a year or 2 was alot more of a sure thing. And would have gone a long way toward a strong, young LB corps for years to come. much the way Detroit has handled their D-line.
Im not saying Helu cant or wont suceed, just not the move I would have made. Whomever replaces London, needs to play with the man for a year or 2.
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Yep.There is new player in the mix at ILB. Zo is learning this position to add to his already admirable versatility. If Rocky doesn't re-sign, a lineup of Kerrigan, Zo, London, and Orakpo at the LB positions doesn't look too bad to me.MDSKINSFAN wrote:I'm anxious to see how ALexander will play at ILB. I think that will be a really good move. It would definitely help the run D.
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I don't see one of those guys with ANY coverage skills whatsoever. We need more than 1 guy in coverage potentially.SCSkinsFan wrote:Yep.There is new player in the mix at ILB. Zo is learning this position to add to his already admirable versatility. If Rocky doesn't re-sign, a lineup of Kerrigan, Zo, London, and Orakpo at the LB positions doesn't look too bad to me.MDSKINSFAN wrote:I'm anxious to see how ALexander will play at ILB. I think that will be a really good move. It would definitely help the run D.
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What a useless piece of propagandist rhetoric that is.
RIP #21 Sean Taylor. You will be loved and adored by Redskins fans forever!!!!!
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I wouldn't be upset with that scenario at all CLL...Chris Luva Luva wrote:- We need Rocky back, plain and simple, at least for a year.
- London will play until he's ready to leave. He's the Chief and isn't slowing down.
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RIP #21 Sean Taylor. You will be loved and adored by Redskins fans forever!!!!!
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The National Anthem sucks.
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RIP #21 Sean Taylor. You will be loved and adored by Redskins fans forever!!!!!
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I'd like to keep him and he seems open to staying now, but I'm not sure what it'll take. Depends on that.VetSkinsFan wrote:I wouldn't be upset with that scenario at all CLL...Chris Luva Luva wrote:- We need Rocky back, plain and simple, at least for a year.
- London will play until he's ready to leave. He's the Chief and isn't slowing down.
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I think we're starting on off on the right foot. We have bookend OLBs. We have young DEs now. A good (IMO) LT. I think AA and Hankerson (I know I'm reaching) will be able to solidify out WR for awhile. We have two good receiving TEs. Our o line started coming together last year. Mike S can bring no name RBs to the forefront. LL and Atogwe secure the secondary. We're on our way.Hooligan wrote:As long as Rocky doesn't demand the moon, the team needs to keep him. It'd be nice to have stability at a position other than TE.
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What a useless piece of propagandist rhetoric that is.
RIP #21 Sean Taylor. You will be loved and adored by Redskins fans forever!!!!!
GSPODS:
The National Anthem sucks.
What a useless piece of propagandist rhetoric that is.