Question Marks At Inside Linebacker

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Sat Jun 04, 2011 3:00 pm

One 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.

Redskins-dot-com

redskins14ru · Post by **redskins14ru** » Sun Jun 05, 2011 4:26 pm

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.

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Sun Jun 05, 2011 4:59 pm

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.

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.

Red_One43 · Post by **Red_One43** » Sun Jun 05, 2011 5:05 pm

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.

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.

I don't know if the old man has 75 yards non stop in his legs, but I would love to see it.

yupchagee · Post by **yupchagee** » Mon Jun 06, 2011 12:29 am

1niksder wrote:
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.
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.

Rocky acts like he wants to return, joining the player-organized workouts.
I'd put Blades ahead of either Henson or Riley.

redskins14ru · Post by **redskins14ru** » Mon Jun 06, 2011 12:39 am

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.

redskins14ru · Post by **redskins14ru** » Mon Jun 06, 2011 12:41 am

YES!!! rOCKY LOOKS LIKE HE IS READY TO BE A REDSKINS THIS FALL, WHOO HOO!!

THANKS YUP

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Mon Jun 06, 2011 8:55 am

Perry Riley and Henson are both capable players. If Rocky leaves, its time for the Skins to do what most successful teams do, promote from within. There are good players buried on the depth charts.

VetSkinsFan · Post by **VetSkinsFan** » Tue Jun 07, 2011 11:39 am

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.

yupchagee · Post by **yupchagee** » Tue Jun 07, 2011 1:01 pm

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.

Bladed has started due to injuries & did a decent job.

MDSKINSFAN · Post by **MDSKINSFAN** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 7:58 pm

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.

jmooney · Post by **jmooney** » Sun Jun 12, 2011 7:03 am

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

SCSkinsFan · Post by **SCSkinsFan** » Sun Jun 12, 2011 8:12 pm

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.

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.

VetSkinsFan · Post by **VetSkinsFan** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 11:29 am

SCSkinsFan wrote:
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.
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.

I don't see one of those guys with ANY coverage skills whatsoever. We need more than 1 guy in coverage potentially.

Chris Luva Luva · Post by **Chris Luva Luva** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 12:45 pm

- 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.

VetSkinsFan · Post by **VetSkinsFan** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 1:03 pm

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.

I wouldn't be upset with that scenario at all CLL...

KazooSkinsFan · Post by **KazooSkinsFan** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 2:02 pm

VetSkinsFan wrote:
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.
I wouldn't be upset with that scenario at all CLL...

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.

Hooligan · Post by **Hooligan** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 3:13 pm

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.

VetSkinsFan · Post by **VetSkinsFan** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 3:52 pm

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.

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.