So London Fletcher-Baker finally let it out

[ghz in pittsburgh]

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20070102/1045821.asp?tbd1045821.asp

that he was really upset the whole season about not having an extension.

Well I just respected him a bit more now because he kept that emotion well checked the whole season. A lesser person would've made it known to people - fans, media, teamates (some teamates clearly would've known) during the season and potentially caused a distraction.

However, I think that old guy - Levy - has already made his intention loud and clear from the first day he stepped into the GM office. He would rather err on the side of youth than on the side of old. He has made his mind about which direction he's going and he's not changing it.

The way London came out said this publicly made me believe that he and his agent got clear indication from the Bills that they are going in a different direction.

During this whole season, I've been saying that linebackers are Bills biggest need. It looked every bit positive that Bills will be looking for a big time linebacker for their cover 2, draft or FA. Personally, I think the Bills have good compliment players in Crowell and Ellison, they just don't have that impact player, the anchor, like Spikes was a few years ago that opponents have to game plan for. And the most likely route to acquire such a player is via draft, the 12th pick of the draft.

London, thanks for being a Bill and great contributions. Most of all, thanks for being a gentleman for the Buffalo Bills.

[justasportsfan]

Re: So London Fletcher-Baker finally let it out

Why would Marv extend his contract if Marv and Dick didn't know how he'd be able to adjust to the cover 2.

[Michael82]

Re: So London Fletcher-Baker finally let it out

Why would Marv extend his contract if Marv and Dick didn't know how he'd be able to adjust to the cover 2.

That's what it was. And I think they got their answer, he's not the kind of MLB that you need for a Cover 2 defense. You need more of a Brian Urlacher type.

[Kerr]

Re: So London Fletcher-Baker finally let it out

That's what it was. And I think they got their answer, he's not the kind of MLB that you need for a Cover 2 defense. You need more of a Brian Urlacher type.

Like the kid from Penn State. I wouldn't be upset if they drafted him.

[BuffaloBillsStampede]

Re: So London Fletcher-Baker finally let it out

I hope he gets a championship somewhere

[Romes]

Re: So London Fletcher-Baker finally let it out

I hope he gets a championship somewhere

He did in St Louis.

[TacklingDummy]

Re: So London Fletcher-Baker finally let it out

London is great at making tackles 7 yards down field.

[mchurchfie]

Re: So London Fletcher-Baker finally let it out

A clear sign that we won't be resigning him and that we're moving on to younger, stronger, and faster on the most important position on the defense.

[Saratoga Slim]

Re: So London Fletcher-Baker finally let it out

I can go either way on this. He's exactly the kind of player you want on your team from a leadership, loyalty, and community relations perspective, and you can't argue with his numbers.

But he is 32. And I think run defense is our team's major failing point right now. He's always around the ball, but he doesn't seem to make the game-changing plays at the line of scrimmage that you'd like to see out of the MLB. Whether that's his fault, or a product of how he's asked to play, is beyond me.

So I guess my position is this: if we don't resign him, I'll understand. But I want the Bills to be a playoff team next year, and I do not want to see Fletcher let go unless we are confident that his production can be replaced through FA or the draft.

[justasportsfan]

Re: So London Fletcher-Baker finally let it out

A clear sign that we won't be resigning him and that we're moving on to younger, stronger, and faster on the most important position on the defense.

I'm actually fine whether we resign him or not.

[TacklingDummy]

Re: So London Fletcher-Baker finally let it out

The Bills only have $40 million in cap space. They can't afford London.

[justasportsfan]

Re: So London Fletcher-Baker finally let it out

The Bills only have $40 million in cap space. They can't afford London.

I'm sure the redskins will find way to fit him and Clements in their cap to join the other ex bills.

[mchurchfie]

Re: So London Fletcher-Baker finally let it out

The problem with keeping him is that we'll be tempted to play him and we'll never find out what anyone else can do.

[mchurchfie]

Re: So London Fletcher-Baker finally let it out

I'm sure the redskins will find way to fit him and Clements in their cap to join the other ex bills.

William's defense has been getting lit up pretty good lately.

[kernowboy]

Re: So London Fletcher-Baker finally let it out

Sign Matt Wilhelm from the Chargers - local Buckeye - 6ft4, 245lbs, and draft Paul Posluzny or Patrick Willis to play strongside in R1 - get Amobi Okoye in R2 to play the NT and we can go 4-3 or 3-4