5 Saints players the Carolina Panthers must keep quiet in Week 2
By Jason Huber
Kwon Alexander – LB
Traded to New Orleans last November, Kwon Alexander immediately upgraded the Saints defense before suffering a torn Achilles in December.
Alexander made an incredibly quick comeback and with all the current defensive injuries, he’s already going to be relied upon by New Orleans a lot more in the coming weeks.
Against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, Alexander only played in 60 percent of the Saints’ defensive snaps and compiled two solo tackles. But the former LSU star looked pretty healthy again considering the injury he suffered not even a year ago.
The former Pro Bowler should only get more in shape as the year goes on and the Carolina Panthers don’t want to see him regain his former self against them this week.
If Alexander isn’t accounted for at all times, it might come back to haunt them. The linebacker will be tasked with keeping a close eye on Christian McCaffrey coming out of the backfield, especially considering how well the All-Pro performed against the New York Jets despite not being on the field for 308 days.
It will be interesting to see whether Alexander’s snap count increases now he’s got his feet wet, so to speak. But the Panthers still need to take his influence incredibly seriously.