Next Man Up – How the Buffalo Bills Fill the Loss of Kiko Alonso
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Spikes, Age: 26
After spending the first four seasons of his career with the New England Patriots, Spikes reportedly left New England on bad terms according to multiple sources. Just how bad was it? Well let’s just say Spikes can’t wait to play New England this year according to his personal Twitter account.
Great games on the schedule for 2014, but it's going to be like Christmas to hand the #Patriots #PatriotsNation a L...twice! #BILLSMAFIA
— BrandonSpikes55 (@brandonspikes55) April 9, 2014
Aside from Spikes Twitter trash talk to New England fans, Buffalo will likely line Spikes up at the middle linebacker position as a two down player. Slowed by injuries the past couple seasons, Spikes excels at attacking the run downhill as he consistently gains gap penetration into the backfield. His aggressiveness at the point of attack is accompanied with one of the leagues best reputations as a sure tackler.
The only problem with Spikes would be his coverage skills. They are average at best and at times suspect – particularly against athletic tight ends and pass-catching running backs. Unless Spikes drastically improves his coverage skills, we can more than likely expect to see him in a two-down role for the Bills. His tenacious run defending skills should bring a physical edge to the line of scrimmage in Buffalo.