Miami Dolphins Players of the game: Alonso and Baker shine

In a game dominated by defense, Kiko Alonso and Jerome Baker are this week’s players of the game for the Miami Dolphins.

Miami was able to get a much-needed win in Hard Rock Stadium against the New York Jets. Miami needed their defense to step up after a few weak games and they responded positively. Both Kiko Alonso and Jerome Baker were able to make positive impacts on the game that kept the Jets offense looking lost and incapable of moving the football.

Alonso finished with 7 tackles, 4 solo, 2 passes defended and an interception. Baker helped out as well on defense with 5 tackles, 4 solo, 1 pass defended and an interception return for a touchdown. By all accounts, both players had great days.

Both of these linebackers have been pleasant surprises this season. Over the past few seasons, Alonso has looked to be a weakness in the defense as opposed to a strength. He was forced to play out of position last year and struggled to really make an impact. This year, however, it seems that things are finally starting to click a little bit for Alonso. He seems to be around the ball often and is making the plays he is capable of making.

Baker, a third round pick out of Ohio State, has started every game so far in his rookie season. He has shown an ability to make plays all year but, most importantly, he has shown that he has tremendous speed. He has had a few up and down moments in his rookie year which is to be expected but he has shown some great athleticism and play recognition that make me believe that he is going to be a good football player for this team.

Both of Miami’s linebackers helped to anchor a great showing by this defense. There are still a number of things to work on defensively to make sure that the team continues to improve and get better as the season progresses. Both Alonso and Baker do deserve this recognition for their performances this week regardless of how the defense has looked over the last few games, this one excluded.

Let me know your players of the game in the comments.