For some reason, there’s a perception among Buffalo Bills fans that London Fletcher-Baker (Jingle-Heimer-Schmitt) was a liability last season and that replacing him with Paul Posluszny, the summa cum laude Linebacker U graduate, automatically makes the Bills’ defense better.
Not so fast. Posluszny is an exciting prospect who’s bigger and stronger than Fletcher. But the Bills’ current defensive scheme demands speed, agility and instinctual playmaking from its linebackers, especially the middle linebacker. At this point in their careers, Fletcher trumps Posluszny on all cards.
Some argue that Fletcher accrued gaudy tackle numbers over the years by making plays downfield, long after the ballcarrier made a big gain. In fact, according to Pro Football Prospectus 2007, Fletcher led the entire league last season in stops that led to negative yardage or a turnover. He also was an obvious leader who has yet to miss a game in nine NFL seasons.
Contact reporter Jonah Bronstein at 282-2311, ext. 2258 or bronsteinj@gnnewspaper.com.
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Sports
August 20, 2007
LEADING OFF: Poz has mighty big shoes to fill
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