Kwon Alexander Looks Like Steelers Best LB
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers may finally have their answer at inside linebacker, and if Kwon Alexander stays healthy - and continues to play like he has the first two days - he could be the team's top off-ball backer this season.
The Steelers nearly missed out on the 28-year-old veteran after bringing him in for a visit earlier in the offseason but not signing him. Once training camp started, they spoke again, and this time came to a deal. Alexander suited up for the second week of camp, and has since been a terror for opposing offensive players.
"Man, I tell you, he's a veteran. He might be new to us, but he's not new to environments like this or to professional football and it's showing, showing in a hurry," head coach Mike Tomlin described it.
Alexander took his first practice slow, but has since been involved in all team drills, and has made plays in almost every one of them. He's had numerous tackles for loss, has blown up running backs on the goal line in seven shots not once, but twice, and seems much quicker on his feet than any other linebacker on the field.
Obviously, Alexander is known for his coverage, which should mean he's faster than most at his position. He's shown that, but what's stood out more is his instincts as a blitzer and his ability to react to runs and make his way into the backfield.
Entering his ninth season, Alexander has an opportunity to earn a starting job alongside Cole Holcomb in Pittsburgh. The two, along with Elandon Roberts, appear to be a perfect trio of all three aspects of the inside linebacker position. Alexander is a coverage, quick guy, Holcomb is a field general and Roberts is a run stuffer.
Everyone needs to stay on the path they are currently, but if the three don't slow down, and Alexander continues to play as he has, it's hard to say he won't be leading the group onto the field this season.
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