As he returns to the site of his breakout, emotional game of last season, Kwon Alexander is someone to keep your eye on against the Falcons.
November 1, 2015 was a game Kwon Alexander will never forget. Aside from posting eleven tackles, having a pass defensed, an interception in the end zone (overturned due to a Buccaneers penalty), and his amazing chase down of Julio Jones resulting in a strip and recovery, it was a day filled with emotions for the young rookie.
Just a few days prior, Alexander’s brother was tragically shot and killed, making Kwon’s performance that much more impressive. The Bucs banded together to support their brother in his greatest time of need. You remember Winston’s “Are we our brother’s keeper?” speech, right? That was the game the leadership by both rookies really began to come to fruition.
Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) celebrates after an interception against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
That brings us to kickoff weekend 2016. The defense without Kwon Alexander just isn’t the same. Although he had his growing pains, Alexander is an impact player that will be vital to the Bucs stealing a division win on the road to start the season. Containing Devonta Freeman and making the Falcons offense one dimensional plays right into the hands of Mike Smith and the new look defense.
The Bucs need to get up early and it’ll be up to Alexander – and Lavonte David – to contain Freeman. Doing so allows the Bucs to feature their pass rush line (Jacquies Smith, Gerald McCoy, Robert Ayers, Noah Spence) more often and they can tee off on Matt Ryan. Alexander, however, will be the essential key in that plan. I expect to see Lavonte used more like he was his first two seasons – all over the field, but doing his fair share of blitzing. If David is blitzing, it will be on Alexander to ensure the run game doesn’t go wild up the middle.
It will be an emotional game for Alexander, there’s no doubt about that. He will be extra hyped given that he missed the final four games – all losses – of 2015 so this is his first true action since December 6, 2015, also a win against Atlanta.
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