When the news broke that Jim Schwartz was going to be the Eagles Defensive Coordinator going forward, fans and analysts alike were elated at the prospect of returning to that ferocious Defense that Philadelphia was once renowned for..but this could also re-ignite a flame that quickly faded this season.
Kiko Alonso burst onto the scene in week one with an Odell Beckham Jr like interception against the Falcons. After a lot of promising plays and ruthlessness bursting through the trenches, Alonso fell victim to an injury..an injury which he never really fully recovered from.
Despite constant reassurance to the media that he was 100%, Alonso’s form dropped massively following his return against the Cowboys six weeks after obtaining the injury. Whilst his last two games were much more impressive, Alonso seemed slower both in terms of play speed and decision making whilst lacked the aggression he displayed in earlier weeks.
But Jim Schwartz was also the Defensive Coordinator for the Bills in 2014, the year in which was set to move to the weakside linebacker position after an announcement from Doug Whaley. The Bills GM claimed (full quote here)
“One thing that would maybe help him, because of his frame, it would probably help him not being able to have to take on those offensive linemen as frequently, so he might be a little more productive.”
Starting at MLB in 2013, Alonso racked up 159 tackles, four interceptions and two sacks but prior to his injury told sportingnews.com that he doesn’t view the proposed change as a major concern:
“…I don’ think (switching positions) is a huge change. It’s still a lot of similar stuff because a lot of time I’m in the box.”
However, Alonso tore his ACL whilst working out in Oregon and what could have been an explosive second season was lost.
But now two seasons later, Alonso will be lining up under the same Defensive Coordinator and the only difference is that he’s had a year back in action (despite another knee injury) and is dressed in midnight green.
If the Eagles do revert to a 4-3 style Defense, it could be Alonso’s saving grace. With one year left on his deal and coming off of a disappointing 2015 campaign, he simply has to perform. If he is better suited to being a weakside linebacker and he’s fully healthy..we might finally get to see what could have and should have been in 2015.
If Alonso can rediscover the athleticism that made him so dangerous in 2013, lining up against Tight Ends so he can use it would likely be the best move the Eagles could make. It’s clear Alonso couldn’t go toe-to-toe with the Lineman this year and was making poor decisions when it came to filling holes. Let him get physical with the likes of Jordan Reed..let him stop runs where there’s just one lane as opposed to several.
We know Alonso is a physical linebacker but perhaps he wasn’t suited to Davis’ scheme or perhaps he wasn’t 100% after returning from injury. A breath of fresh air and a position that compliments both his mental and physical skill sets will do him the world of good.
Not only that but under Schwartz, the Bills ranked 4th overall. If there is anyone who know’s Kiko’s ability and how to get the best out of him who isn’t named Chip Kelly, it’s Schwartz. It’s a do or die season for the Legend of Kiko Alonso..but it could be the most enticing yet.
