MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Linebacker Dane Fletcher loved the coaching staff's idea of giving him some reps at fullback, where he lined up twice Monday night against the Dolphins.
"I like hitting people," Fletcher said. "I've got no problems with that position. When they approached me about it, I was all about it, just one more thing that I can do to help the team."
There's no telling how many reps Fletcher will get at the position over the course of the season, but he's definitely on the short list for the role in goal-line situations. Sammy Morris had been the team's fullback in the preseason, but he got cut. Offensive lineman Dan Connolly was an option in 2010, but he was playing center at that point in the second half.
On Fletcher's first play at fullback, he teamed up with BenJarvus Green-Ellis to block linebacker Cameron Wake, and Tom Brady had enough time to find a wide-open Aaron Hernandez for a one-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
One series later, Fletcher got the call on third-and-goal from the 2. Brady targeted him on a play-action pass to the right flat, but the Dolphins had it covered perfectly. Fletcher was itching to find the end zone for that one, but he said he'd get the next one.
"Yeah, I wanted that touchdown bad, as does anybody on this team," Fletcher said. "We're all hungry for a little bit. But life goes on. Next time, I'll be that much more experienced at it."
