Devil’s Advocate: Four Reasons Philadelphia Eagles benefited from LeSean McCoy Trade
Dec 15, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Kiko Alonso (50) warms up before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
2. The Eagles are getting a fantastic, young player
In a vacuum, it would be foolish to argue that Kiko Alonso is a better player than LeSean McCoy, and even the argument that excellent, well-rounded linebackers are more rare than feature backs would be invalid, since backs like McCoy are as valuable as ever. I mean, this is a guy who can break off big gains, catch 50 passes in a season, score TDs, break defender’s ankles, and run the ball more than 300 times in a season; these guys, especially when they are just 26, are never out of style.
And yet, this deal is perfectly fair for the Eagles, since this team is saving money and snagging a player that isn’t too far off in the realm of talent, even if it is nearly impossible to compare players at positions this different. McCoy is young, but Alonso is just 24 and has as much upside as anyone at the position.
Remember, this is a guy who set the world on fire as a rookie, as he racked up 159 tackles, two sacks, four picks, and five passes defended. According to Pro Football Focus, Alonso was tied for seventh among all inside linebackers in defensive stops, and hew as tenth in tackling efficiency, meaning that he was one of the ten best players at the position at avoiding missed tackles. Not only was he active in the running game, but he also managed to play disciplined on defense despite being a rookie.
While Alonso wasn’t as good as he should have been downhill against the run, it’s a knock that has been directed to several stellar, young linebackers who blossom as elite run defenders as they gain experience. With his speed, strength, instincts, and sky-high tackle count, Alonso showed that he has plenty of potential to become one of the best run defenders in the league, and his sideline-to-sideline ability and quickness make for a potentially deadly combination.
Next: Alonso in Coverage