Kiko Alonso blames struggles on technique Record factors in Rodgers’ return
DAVIE — Kiko Alonso knows he can play better than he’s shown in the past two losses, and the Miami Dolphins’ starting weakside linebacker plans to do so.
Alonso would describe the formula to avoid the costly plays he’s allowed — by Oakland tight end Jared Cook and by Carolina tailback Christian McCaffrey, who slipped his clutches on a few big plays during Miami’s 45-21 loss to the Panthers — as “simple.”
“Just bad technique,” said Alonso, the Dolphins’ coverage specialist signed this offseason to a four-year deal that’s worth a little less than $29 million.
Cook caught eight passes for 126 yards against the Dolphins, and many of those plays were made on Alonso, or with him being the closest zone defender.
McCaffrey, a rookie who leads Carolina in targets and receptions, scored a 4-yard touchdown run on Alonso after juking him to get into the end zone during a goalline run.
“[That play is] similar to some of the blown coverages on Cook on my end. Just bad technique,” said Alonso, whose 59 tackles has him ranked second on the team. “That’s part of the game. Players make plays.”
Alonso is referring to Cook’s speed and athleticism, which makes him a mismatch for just about NFL every linebacker, and McCaffrey’s elusiveness, which made the Stanford product a Heisman trophy finalist and a first-round selection in the latest draft.
Alonso, who has battled injuries throughout his five seasons in the NFL, said the dip in his performance has nothing to do with his health.
“I feel great,” said Alonso, who is on pace to play his first 16-game season since 2013, his rookie year. “You talk to anybody who has played nine games in. Everybody is hurt.”
Aaron Rodgers’ potential return from a broken collarbone took a major step forward this week. But, as Rodgers has said all along, there has to be a reason to return.
The Packers quarterback, who is on injured reserve, went through a conditioning session Wednesday that included taking snaps and mimicking the throwing motion with a towel. It was his first time doing anything football-related on the field since suffering the injury against the Vikings on Oct. 15.
“I think he’s making really good progress,” coach Mike McCarthy said before Thursday’s practice. “I know the training staff and the strength and conditioning staff are very pleased with where he is. He’s moving right along.”
Rodgers can’t practice until Dec. 2, one day before a home game against the Buccaneers. If Rodgers is healed and the Packers are in the playoff hunt, he could return for the Week 15 road game against the Panthers on Dec. 17. The Packers close the season with a pair of games against the top teams in the NFC North: home against the Vikings and on the road against the Lions.
“We’ve still got to wait but it’s good to see,” linebacker Clay Matthews said. “At the same time, we’ve still got to hold up our end and steal a few wins these next weeks in hopes that we’ve got a shot with him coming back. We started with one last week. Hopefully, we can get another one this week.”
Coach Hue Jackson expects Josh Gordon to start practicing with the Browns next week.
“I do,” Jackson said Thursday. “He’s doing well. He’s here in the building every day, on time for everything, involved and big smile on his face. He’s a pleasure to be around.”
Gordon was reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on a conditional basis Nov. 1. Under the terms of Gordon’s reinstatement, the 2013 AllPro wide receiver will be eligible to return to practice Monday. But the Browns don’t actually practice on Mondays and players are off on Tuesdays, so Gordon is slated to be back on the field with the rest of the team Wednesday.
“He’s been out for while,” receiver Ricardo Louis said. “But I know he’s been working hard to come back, and he’s in a great place right now, and we’re just adding some more weapons.”
Receiver Corey Coleman will play Sunday when the Browns (0-9) host the Jaguars (6-3) for the first time since he suffered a broken right hand Sept. 17 against the Ravens.
Gordon will be eligible to play in the final five games of the season beginning Dec. 3 on the road against the Chargers.
“Me and JG talk every day,” Coleman said. “I’m so happy for him. He’s back on track, and I’m excited to play with him. Just for him being an older guy, I can learn a lot from him, so I talk to him about everyday life, football ... just talk about like what we can do and stuff like that.”
Gordon has been suspended for the last 42 games and 52 of the last 57 because of several violations of the league’s substance-abuse policy.