Commanders News: Ron Rivera, Eric Bieniemy, London Fletcher and power rankings
By Dean Jones
Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as practice resumes ahead of their home game against the Miami Dolphins?
Preparations will officially begin for Week 13 later today, which is the final engagement before the Washington Commanders go on their bye week. Something that's been a long time coming and will provide sweet relief for a fanbase being put through yet another losing season under head coach Ron Rivera.
There is the small matter of Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins to get through first. Until then, the stories causing debate include London Fletcher's honor, where the Commanders stand in ESPN's power rankings, more rumored player friction with Eric Bieniemy, and Rivera's biggest remaining challenge.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
London Fletcher's honor
One of the greatest linebackers to ever play for the now-Washington Commanders got one step closer to Canton this week. London Fletcher was named as a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2024, which would be deserved recognition for an exceptional career.
Fletcher is a four-time Pro Bowler who spent seven years in Washington after a glittering spell with the St. Louis Rams. Many wondered how much the second-level presence had left, but he answered his critics and more with exceptional production and the sort of effort that saw him become a fan favorite in no time at all.
The former John Carroll standout managed 39 sacks and 2,039 tackles with Washington, including a career-high 166 tackles in 2011. The undrafted free agent was a rags-to-riches story that remains inspirational to this day - one that could see him immortalized in NFL folklore sooner rather than later.