Buccaneers: Game Changers for Week 12 against the Falcons

Kwon Alexander

Back in his rookie year, Kwon Alexander had a monstrous day in Atlanta. He finished with eleven tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery in a Tampa Bay win. Of course, that was just two days after Alexander’s younger brother was killed. It was an emotional day that no one, especially No. 58, has forgotten. Then, in the 2016 season opener, he had another big day in Atlanta. He put up seventeen tackles (fifteen solo) and a sack in another Buccaneer victory. So with Sunday’s game happening in Atlanta, Alexander is due for another standout performance, right?

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In Tampa Bay’s win over Miami on Sunday, the third-year linebacker had his best game of the season. He led the team with eight tackles (six solo), a tackle for loss and an interception. Alexander is the one of the anchors of the defense, a defense that desperately needs a spark at all times. With the lack of pressure from the defensive line and holes in the secondary, the Bucs need their linebackers to lead the way. Alexander, Lavonte David and Kendell Beckwith keep the unit from falling apart altogether.

Devonta Freeman is one of the top running backs in the league. His performance doesn’t show that this year, but his talent is undeniable. He is dealing with some injuries, so his status for Sunday is unclear. If he can’t go, Tevin Coleman is a solid backup. The ideal situation for the Falcons, of course, would be to have both Freeman and Coleman available. No matter the makeup of the backfield, Alexander will be there to keep things down for the Tampa Bay defense.