“I Think You Give It A 15”
November 3rd, 2015
Hardy Nickerson speaks
Of all the heroics on the field for the Buccaneers on Sunday, no effort and execution was more sick than Kwon Alexander’s rip-strip-snatch of the ball from superstar Julio Jones.
Video here, for those with short memories.
It was Lovieball at its finest. Alexander likely should have just wrapped up Jones at the Falcons’ 40 yard line. If Jones keeps his balance, then he’s headed for the end zone. But Alexander did as he’s coached to do, which is focus on the ball and worry about the tackle later. (Joe rarely agrees with the philosophy.)
It was brilliant, and Bucs icon and linebackers coach Hardy Nickerson agreed.
Grading the play on a scale of 1 to 10 last night on the Buccaneers Radio Network, Nickerson said, “I think you give it a 15.”
But the bigger picture was Nickerson calmly raving about Alexander, a 21-year-old rookie fourth-round pick out of Louisiana State. Thrust into the starting middle linebacker role, with all the responsibility that comes with it in Lovie Smith’s defense, Alexander has earned Nickerson’s respect.
“It’s a tough thing, [starting at Mike linebacker,] and for just your average guy it will take a while,” Nickerson said. “Kwon is a special guy. He’s getting better and better each week. He’s just a joy to watch as a player.”
Obviously, Alexander has accomplished a lot in a short amount of time, especially for a fourth-round pick. He’s one of three real Rookie of the Year candidates on the Bucs.
More so, Joe likes Alexander’s attitude and approach. He doesn’t talk as much as Jameis Winston, America’s Quarterback (who does?), but the guy is part of the new breed of young, successful Buccaneers, guys not infected by endless losing, guys who are playing for the love of winning and fun, and have no interest in any other mindset.
November 3rd, 2015 at 4:53 pm
This kid is a beast, he’s quickly becoming one of my very favorite players.
November 3rd, 2015 at 5:01 pm
whose the third for roy on bucs. marpet?
November 3rd, 2015 at 5:02 pm
The sooner he learns his role and is able to execute that role, the sooner Lavonte David can get back to being Lavonte David.
November 3rd, 2015 at 8:37 pm
I agree completely with all three above lost…
When I saw the play live I had a priminition that involved what this kids future was all about… Then I heard about his brother and to be honest…. My first thought was illuminati blood sacrifice for supper stardom…. Then I remembered the old fashion way of how things would happen… I then dismissed the illuminates involvement and saw what made America so great… Other then the illuminati of course ;-/
Tradity turned into Triumph!!!! It inspires it breads hope passion and so many other things…..
This play in my priminition sealed Kwons fait as a BUC FOR LIFE…. Equivalent to ODBs catch in my minds eye…. You simplely do not do what he did…..
I Love this kid and I pray for his continues success of bringing inspiration to others lives…
Can’t wait to see the games to follow that equal this!!!! You have tons of them coming your way young sir
November 3rd, 2015 at 8:45 pm
Agree with you 100% Joe. I think one of the biggest issues with the D is Lovie preaching turnovers so much that the basic of tackling takes a back seat. I think this philosophy used with young players stunts their growth ( see David). I also think a big issue is having a rookie no matter how talented calling the defensive plays. Why not let David, who’s done it, take on that roll this year and let Kwon focus on learning the D, tackling, taking the ball away. ( in that order) I would still like to know Lovies philosophy on the secondary . I don’t understand why our cornerbacks give so much cushion to every receiver they cover and why zero passes are ever defended or broke up. All our CB’s cant be that bad so it has to be the scheme.
November 3rd, 2015 at 9:13 pm
When do the rookie of the week nominees get announced? My index finger has some voting to do!!