Linebacker is OK being just on coverage teams ASHBURN — The simple fact is this: The Redskins worked with Lorenzo Alexander for a season, watched him play and practice and decided they needed another pass-rushing outside linebacker. So they drafted Ryan Kerrigan, and Alexander returned to what he had done for his first three seasons.
Alexander would have liked another shot. It’s why he did MMA training in the offseason and lowered his body fat. It’s why he worked on pass-rush moves he has yet to use this season.
Recommended Stories
The thing is, Alexander, who started 12 games a year ago, isn’t complaining.
– John Keim
| Notes |
| » Coach Mike Shanahan said suspended players Trent Williams and Fred Davis are indeed allowed to be at the facility. Shanahan said he wasn’t sure why there was a delay in getting this situation cleared. He also said both would be limited to conditioning drills only and will not sit in on team meetings. It’s a similar approach to what those on injured reserve take, Shanahan said. “Everybody’s really focused. It’s really hard to get ready for a game when you’re not going to be part of that game plan,” Shanahan said. “So we’re going to just make sure that we work them pretty hard and get them in shape.” |
| » Running back Roy Helu (toe/knee), right tackle Jammal Brown (groin), linebacker London Fletcher (ankle) and fullback Mike Sellers (elbow) all were limited in practice Wednesday. All are optimistic about playing Saturday vs. Minnesota. |
“What is it going to get me walking around here complaining that I’m not playing defense, other than creating another distraction and creating dissension in the room?” Alexander said. “Guys think, ‘Well, he’s not for the team.’ That makes no sense to me.”
Besides, Alexander has continued to make an impact for the Redskins as a special teams ace (and captain). He leads the Redskins with 18 tackles — eight more than anyone else. And that’s with a kicker in Graham Gano who has 31 touchbacks (22 more than in 2010).
It’s why coach Mike Shanahan lobbied for Alexander to make the Pro Bowl when it’s announced Tuesday. Shanahan’s take: If only the coaches voted, Alexander would be at the top of the list.
“That’s how dominating he is,” Shanahan said. “I haven’t seen a guy consistently get double-teamed and go there and make tackles. That just doesn’t happen at this level.”
At the end of last season what Alexander really wanted was a decision: either play him full-time on special teams or at linebacker. Just don’t play him full-time at both, as was the case last season.
“It wears you down. You’re robbing Peter to pay Paul,” Alexander said. “Somewhere in your game is going to be hurting.”
But he said he’s now fresher to make more plays on special teams, particularly ones on the other side of the field. Last year those plays were more difficult. Or Alexander knew he would have to pace himself because of his full-time role on defense.
Alexander had three special teams tackles, fighting off double teams, vs. New York on Sunday, including his first one from scrimmage this season. Alexander played near the goal-line and helped make a stop of running back Brandon Jacobs.
But with Kerrigan playing every defensive snap, Alexander’s prowess is special teams.
“I’m a mismatch for a lot of guys because I can run and I’m 265 pounds,” Alexander said. “I either have a defensive back on me or a linebacker that’s 230 pounds. I’m just stronger. They don’t know how to block me. Big speed is hard to defend because you don’t know what to do with it. Then you put two guys on me? I’m used to tussling with two tackles. So you put two linebackers on me. That’s nothing. You throw one guy, and then you’re just running and it’s hard to move me. That creates a disadvantage for other teams.”
It’s not just physical.
“Don’t disregard his knowledge for the game and his study habits,” Redskins special teams coach Danny Smith said. “He knows what’s coming, when it’s coming and how it’s coming. He’s got power. He’s got speed. He’s got toughness. He’s a total package. … He’s a beast. I don’t see anyone better.”
Yes, Alexander does wonder what he would have done in a second year starting at outside linebacker. He’s just not consumed by those thoughts.
“I do miss playing,” he said. “Every player wants to be out there every down. But that’s not what I’ve been called to do.”
