Kiko Alonso’s absence will be felt by the Miami Dolphins defense
Ever since acquiring middle linebacker Kiko Alonso in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles this past offseason, the Miami Dolphins have become overly dependent on their rising star. Despite suffering a couple injury plagued years before joining Miami, Kiko Alonso has been healthy all year and been a major factor as both the heart and leader of the Dolphins linebacking corps.
Starting the game this past Sunday with five tackles in the first quarter alone, Alonso was forced to leave the game with a hand injury prior to the ending of that opening quarter. Though he did return to the game, Alonso was not the same for the remainder of the contest and failed to make much of an impact.
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Undergoing surgery to repair a broken thumb that he sustained during the game, Kiko Alonso’s status for Sunday is currently unknown. Despite head coach Adam Gase saying that the star linebacker could play this week, multiple other outlets have called the player doubtful and even out for this week’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Though not an amazing or game-changing player, Kiko Alonso is the best linebacker on the Miami Dolphins roster. He has the ability to make key tackles and as he showed against San Diego, he can work in pass coverage. Without Alonso, the Miami Dolphins could and will be in an entirely different boat.
Outside of Alonso, their are really no good linebackers on the Dolphins roster. With this being a weakness all season long, Alonso has managed his role in the middle of the corps to contain the damage. Without Alonso, this section of the Miami Dolphins defense will be exploited.
Without backup, the front four are likely to struggle and be gashed by Arizona’s strong rushing attack. Already weak in terms of pass coverage, expect to see the Cardinals’ throw threw, past, and over us on many occasions this Sunday. In fact, no matter how much I don’t want to see it, we could see a repeat of last Sunday’s game this week in Miami.
Even if Alonso manages to play this Sunday, his form is unlikely to be where it normally is. Without him, forget it. Kiko Alonso is the leader and heart of the Miami Dolphins linebackers. His potential absence will definitely be felt across both the linebacking corps and the entire defense.
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