Kwon Alexander bringing the 'juice' to Jets' defense
Robert Saleh knew exactly what he was getting when the Jets signed former Pro Bowl linebacker Kwon Alexander, and it was all on display in one bone-crunching play against the Giants on Sunday.
Antonio Williams thought he had some room to run, but Alexander came flying in from his left and delivered a big hit on the Giants running back. Williams went sprawling backward, the ball came loose and the Jets erupted on the sideline, waving towels and screaming at Alexander.
Saleh was confident Alexander would have this type of impact on the Jets.
“It lights up the fans too,” Saleh said. “He has so much energy. His communication, his volume and his poise, the detail, the effort, his style of play, which embodies everything that we talk about with that effort, technique and the violence we expect to see play in and play out from everybody. He embodies all of it.
“He brings people to life and it’s all the little things. I think he’s got a specific handshake for everybody on the football team. I don’t know how he remembers all that. He’s a unique individual, special individual, and really happy he’s here.”
The Jets signed Alexander, 27, to a one-year deal early in training camp, reuniting him with his former defensive coordinator. Alexander spent parts of two seasons playing under Saleh with the 49ers in 2019 and 2020.
Alexander’s knowledge of the system and pass-coverage skills made him a perfect fit for the defense, which needed to add some depth and talent at linebacker. He will be a part of a hard-hitting and productive linebacking corps that also features C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams.
It didn’t take long for Alexander to make his presence felt, physically and verbally.
In his first practice, Alexander stuffed running back Zonovan Knight during team drills. Alexander then took a few steps toward the sideline and let the offense hear it. Mosley said the Jets "feed off of" Alexander’s energy.
“I just like getting guys going,” Alexander said. “Our job is hard. I just want guys to go out there and have fun, play like they’re a kid again."
Alexander got off to a fast start after being taken in the fourth round by Tampa Bay in 2015. The following season, he led the NFL with 108 solo tackles and made his only Pro Bowl in 2017. Injuries have slowed Alexander since then.
He’s missed 27 games over the past four seasons with the 49ers, Saints and Seahawks. But Alexander is healthy and out to prove he’s better than he was that Pro Bowl season.
“I’m trying to get past that,” Alexander said. “I’m trying to be All-Pro. Pro Bowl’s cool, but I’m trying to be All-Pro and trying to change my whole game, put it all together this year. That’s what I’ve been working toward.”
Alexander said he worked out on his own when he was unsigned during OTAs and the first few days of camp. He did all the individual work he would have done if he were with a team; that way he was ready when he signed.
Saleh loved the “juice” he had against the Giants and sees him looking like the Alexander of old.
“In the Giants game, if you just put a lens on him and watch him throughout the game, he was flying around,” Saleh said. “He looked fast, he looked fresh, he was energetic, his legs were behind him because he was delivering some pops on the backs and getting on and off blocks and block protection on O-linemen. He looked really good. He’s only going to get stronger as he goes.
“I really love the energy, the juice, the leadership and everything he brings. I’m really happy that he’s here.”