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Title: Last chance for Londons veterans ? Post by: Paul-London on October 25, 2007, 08:03:14 AM Despite decent years veterans DE Mark Word and LB Kinnon Tatum of the Monarchs might be entering their last season starting. Both veterans played well in Londons 12-2 march to the playoffs last year. London had the top defense last year and both veterans played in every game and showed that veterans can play to a high level.
Word had 12 sacks to lead the team in his 11th season but now entering his 12th year he still has a battle to start. Word did lose some acceleration last year but its hoped he will get that back after camp. LB Tatum played well with 57 tackles and 3 sacks but was relegated late last year from LB1 to LB2. Tatum looked slow in the offseason as he came in overweight and its hoped Tatum will also rebound after camp. Mark Word is the all time sack leader with 141 and wants to make 150 before he retires. Kinnon Tatum is the all time tackler with 1015 tackles (only player to have over 1000) and hopes to keep playing to push the record further forward. London is one of the few teams in the league who rely on veteran players, too often teams discard veterans despite good showings in games for younger guys but as shown by Londons 12-2 record last year and top ranked defense, it doesnt matter if a player is in his 2nd or 12th season, if they can play and contribute they should start regardless of age. |