Dolphins: Kiko Alonso back to 2016 form
Linebacker steps up training, looks to put injuries behind him.
Linebacker stepped up an offseason training plan that he believes will help him maintain his strength and health.
Dolphin Kiko Alonso is never one
DAVIE — to make excuses. But last season, he was one beat up linebacker.
Thumb. Ankle. Knee. Hip. Wrist. Alonso played through it all. And he was criticized. And he never flinched. And now, the Dolphins think Alonso is healthier. And ready to return to a very good 2016 form.
“I almost feel like it’s two years ago,” Dolphins coach Adam Gase said. “Last year the offseason was tough for him. He was coming off with the hand. He couldn’t do what he wanted to do in the offseason. I know when he came to training camp, he was lighter and he was still trying to get used to using his hand and not worrying about it. He’s really been performing the way we need him to perform.”
Alonso stepped up an offseason training plan he believes will help him maintain his
strength and health.
“Nobody plays this game healthy,” Alonso said Wednesday. “I think the first week of training camp is about as healthy as you’re going to feel. So you know, obviously, I’ve had injuries. But that’s how football is. It’s how you deal with the adversity.”
Alonso is about to begin his second season as Miami’s weakside linebacker, after sliding over from the middle.
“I’m definitely a little more comfortable at the position,” Alonso said. “So I can see things better. And just having played several positions in this defense allows me to help younger guys and make me do my job better.”
After each of the first two preseason games, middle linebacker Raekwon McMillan thanked Alonso for helping him with his assignments.
“It’s my third year in this defense,” Alonso said. “So I know the defense pretty well. He still hasn’t played a snap of regular-season ball. And I’ve seen a lot of ball. So you know I feel like I have a lot of stuff I can share with him. And help him out. I’ve had a million reps. And he’s had few. I don’t want to put too much in his head. But there is stuff here or there. We can help each other out.”
Alonso is at his best when he’s playing fast: see ball, hit ball carrier. In 2016, Alonso was all over the field for Miami, forcing turnovers.
Gase sees him rounding back into form. Does Alonso agree?
“I don’t know,” Alonso said. “I don’t pay attention much. I just try to do my job.”
Rookie pushing for starting LB role: The leadup to his rookie season has been choppy for Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker, but he’s developing nicely and giving himself a shot to win a starting job over the next week and a half.
Baker, the third-round pick out of Ohio State, is listed as second string on the depth chart. Kiko Alonso and Raekwon McMillan are locked in as starters, and Baker is competing primarily with Stephone Anthony for the third spot.
“I’m definitely happy, but I know I have a long way to go,” Baker said of his progress in the preseason. “Looking at Kiko and Raekwon, where they’re at as far as knowledge is incredible. I’m definitely striving to get to that level and get better.”
Baker has a team-high nine tackles in the first two preseason games. Miami plays the critical third game Saturday at home against Baltimore.
As he continues working toward a job, Baker has sought advice from his veteran teammates at the position.
“I pretty much lean on the older guys,” he said. “They all give me the same answer: Just focus on this play, on this play, on this play and after practice, you know everything. That’s pretty much my approach every day. I look at it as one rep, get better, get better, get better, and at the end of the day, I look over it.
“I try not to think ahead; I try not to think of the past too much. I pretty much (try to) get better every day, every rep. I know it’s kind of cliché, but that’s honestly what I do: just focus on this play and don’t worry about nothing else.”