Lorenzo Alexander is expected to be named to his first Pro Bowl as a special teams player, according to the Washington Redskins linebacker’s agent.
The Pro Bowl rosters are to be announced at 7 p.m. Wednesday, but agent JR Rickert wrote on Twitter before 6 p.m., “Congratulations to client @OneManGang97 of the #Redskins on his selection to the #ProBowl!!!!”
Alexander, who was unanimously voted the Redskins’ special teams captain, said it would be an honor to play in the Pro Bowl.
“Special teams overall kind of gets overlooked because it’s mostly not understood very well, and it’s hard to see people,” Alexander said. “Just like offensive linemen. You kind of lose track of them throughout a game. I think it’s been getting more and more notoriety over the years as far as when guys start making plays.”
Only one special teams player makes it per conference, and Alexander said earlier in the day Wednesday that he wouldn’t have been upset if C.J. Spillman of the San Francisco 49ers made it instead.
That said, Alexander talked up his own improvement from 2011 to 2012.
“I’ve had a lot better year. I think I’m still leading the league in tackles. With [special teams coordinator Danny Smith’s] stats I’m probably, I think plus-8, plus-9 tackles from where I was last year at this point,” Alexander said. “I definitely had a big change in my game this year and a lot of guys contributed in doing that.”
Alexander also credited more guys who know the system, mentioning linebacker Chris Wilson, safety Reed Doughty and linebacker Bryan Kehl, who returned recently from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Still, a lot of it is Alexander himself, as he’s lighter and faster.
“I think speed, a lot of it has to do with losing the weight, being able to get down a lot faster,” the 29-year-old said. Some of those tackles I probably would’ve missed last year being a step closer.”
