Kiko Alonso has never played consecutive seasons in the same defense during his four-year NFL career.
That’s why sources say he is so excited about the prospect of playing for the Miami Dolphins in 2017 -- because he’s expecting new defensive coordinator Matt Burke’s defense to be practically the same as departed coordinator Vance Joseph’s defense was last season.
And in that defense, Alonso led the team with 115 tackles and four fumble recoveries and also had a forced fumble, four passes defensed, two interceptions and six quarterback hits.
So the idea of going back to that system with the benefit of a year’s worth of experience has Alonso eagerly awaiting the start of the offseason workout program and, eventually, training camp.