Alonso working on pass coverage
DAVIE — Dolphins coach Adam Gase almost shrugged off the question.
When asked if he thought linebacker Kiko Alonso paid attention to outside criticism, Gase nearly laughed.
“I think he’s focused on really what we’re doing,” Gase said Wednesday. “I don’t think he worries about anything that’s going on outside of here. He’s a very good professional and he focuses on what he has to do and tries to get better every day. Whatever he has that day, he gives it to you.”
Alonso was an easy scapegoat when the Dolphins linebackers were beaten by tight ends in pass coverage. Last year they allowed a league-high 94 receptions for 1,034 yards to tight ends. The 10 touchdowns they gave up were tied for second-highest.
During organized team activities, linebackers coach Frank Bush was openly critical of Alonso because he felt Alonso could play better. Most of the criticism was directed toward Alonso’s pass coverage.
“He did what we felt he should do,” Bush said in May. “He can play better. He can play better in coverage. Some of his tackling was suspect, but we’re working on those things. I think he’ll be better.”
Still, Bush didn’t place all the blame on Alonso. Part of it was the linebackers still adjusting to a new position coach.
“With me being the first year with him, it was kind of up and down,” Bush said. “I was expecting a lot more from him. I’m sure he expected a lot more from me.”
Alonso said it’s a matter of the defense communicating better.
“That’s definitely something that needs to be at a high level to get to where we want to be,” Alonso said Wednesday. “It’s really between everybody just to communicate.”
Alonso, who moved from middle to weakside linebacker in the offseason, has made the appropriate adjustments. That was evident when he returned an interception for a touchdown in Wednesday’s practice.
“And he makes plays like he did today, that’s good to see because he’s been a guy that’s been steady since he’s been here,” Gase said. “He’s played through a couple of injuries that I’m sure it wasn’t the most comfortable situation a few times where he just doesn’t say a word and just goes out and tries to make plays and help us win.”
Alonso struggled some last year because he was still recovering from a broken thumb that ended his 2016 season. Without the responsibilities of a middle linebacker — that position now belongs to second-year player Raekwon McMillan — Alonso should have more opportunity to roam and make plays in the passing game.
“I think the key is go out there everyday and give it everything you got,” Alonso said. “Just keep working together and playing hard and going out there on the attack.”
Comfort level is also on Alonso’s side. He is entering his third season in Miami, which is the longest stop of his career. He played one year with the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles.
“I’ve been fortunate to stay here,” Alonso said. “I’m just going to give it everything I got. Everywhere I’ve been, that’s what I’ve tried to do.”