no doubt Fletcher’s been the rock of the defense, but he’s definitely slowed quite a bit. if we don’t find a replacement for him next year or we don’t have anyone stepping up, it’s gonna be another uphill battle for the defense next year
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rg3some says: Dec 8, 2012 11:20 AM

He’s also struggling in pass coverage.
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The simple fact is that while Fletcher is certainly slowing a bit, he still has the speed to start for at least another year or two (he blanketed Percy Harvin in the slot in week 6).

His coverage problems are a result of trying to match him up against the likes of Jimmy Graham, Kevin Rudolph, and Martellus Bennett. It wouldn’t matter if he ran a 4.2, that’s simply a size mismatch. Though Kerrigan could probably cover the opposing tight end, with Orakpo out, Kerrigan is the only legitimate pass-rusher Washington has, meaning that he either needs to rush the quarterback or sit in a low zone every play.

Next year, with Orakpo back, one of the two linebackers will be free to cover the tight end, allowing Fletcher to play in the box, the slot, at nickel linebacker, or wherever he feels most comfortable.

Point is, that while Fletcher may be slowing a bit, his coverage problems are not his own fault so much as unforeseen complications of the other injuries on defense.

In short, while Fletcher,unfortunately, won’t last forever, the Redskins have much more pressing needs in free agency and the draft than middle linebacker, and unless Manti Te’o magically slips into the second round, London’s replacement won’t be seen in Washington until at least 2014.