That is almost 10 years ago!! I don't think it has been quite that long.

I think the last leader on defense that was like a coach on the field was probably Anthony Walker Jr.

When he moved on to Cleveland, on field communication got worse.

Ha! You're right, time flies. He just popped into my head because his leadership was easy to see week in and week out, so I remember it. Philip Rivers was probably the last one we had, but he was old. Just my opinion though. I just don't remember seeing much of anything leadership wise for a long time. I hope AR can do it. Zaire Franklin might be one now. Josh Downs might have the mentality. JuJu Brents would be a great spot for a leader. I'm just a novice. Omaha got me thinking about it, so I'd listen to him if I were you.

I will add that I do think Buckner is a leader. Just a different type of leader than Walker.

I could give several examples for Buckner - one example would be that he has previously invited some of the young defensive linemen to join him for his off season workouts....basically to show what he does in the off season to be prepared and ready for the next year.

Walker was more of a coach on the field. When the coaching staff was installing a new scheme, Walker would ask questions - not only for the LB position but for all position groups - he wanted to understand the scheme in its entirety. And those questions probably helped everyone in case a rookie DB or DL didn't understand something either and didn't want to ask the question themselves. On the field, the other players would sometimes go to Walker instead of the coaches if they had a question between plays or while in the huddle. He would also hold other players accountable and highlight and try to understand why there was a missed assignment during film review.

I think this type of leader on the defense has been missing since he departed to Cleveland.

Buckner is a leader, Zaire is a leader, Shaq, Kelly, Q, Grover. We’ve got leaders. Very overblown concern. Problem apparently was lack of accountability from the coaches and Reich. A bit too much of a players coach.

The only 'leading' from the players that this team needs is leading by making plays on the damn field. Leadership of the entire team can only come from the coaching staff. Winning takes care of all this shit.

Agree that Buckner and Franklin appear to be good leaders. Kelly and Q aren't, which was on full display when they did fuck all about that POS Thibodeaux.

Downs strikes me as a pretty boy. IDK. I'd like to see him drop that gay turtle neck thing and worry about catching the football or actually being effective as a returner.

I guess we'll see. Zaire is clearly the vocal leader at this point. He stepped up last year and has taken ownership of his role.