The chatter doesn’t bother him because he knows he’ll get a shot. So let the Redskins talk about wanting a pass-rushing linebacker opposite Brian Orakpo — coach Mike Shanahan put it atop his list. Let them even draft one or sign one in free agency. Lorenzo Alexander has a plan that he says can help solve the Redskins’ pass-rushing woes.
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It involves himself, of course.
But it also involves losing weight, doing MMA training and applying lessons learned in his first year at linebacker.
If the Redskins don’t draft a linebacker … and there’s limited free agency … and they can’t find another pass-rusher, then Alexander’s plan could provide him chances at the position. Will it be enough? Don’t know. But Alexander hopes that’s the case.
Alexander, who started 11 games this season, said he’s already lost at least 10 pounds — he’s between 255-260 now — just doing Pilates, P90X, riding his bike and watching his diet. He’ll soon start doing MMA training with ex-Redskin linebacker Eddie Mason.
“Fighters have great stamina,” Alexander said. “I’ll see if I can bring another couple extra gears to my game. That’s what I’m trying to do, working on leverage and pass rush. I wasn’t playing any third downs at the end; I have to prove I’m able to do it.”
Washington’s problem is that the best pass-rushing linebacker in the draft is Von Miller and he’ll likely be gone by the tenth pick. The best pass-rushers in free agency — assuming it occurs this year — will be tough to get because teams don’t let players like that leave without a big fight.
But what Alexander doesn’t want is a heavy load again. Last season he also played almost all of the special teams. Hamstring issues plagued him late in 2010, too, and he appeared to wear down.
“At some point we have to make a decision either you have me play special teams or play outside linebacker,” Alexander said. “I was always fatigued. Whatever I do, I’ll excel at it. But I can’t do everything.”
What he’s not doing is worrying about a possible replacement in the starting lineup.
“If they decide to draft a guy or bring someone in, I can’t worry about that,” Alexander said. “I’ll continue to cut my weight so I’m more explosive and faster. I’ll get opportunities so it’s really up to me.”
