Because of his relative lack of size, Falcons cornerback Robert Alford isn’t the prototypical cornerback to play in Dan Quinn’s defense.
The system emphasizes bigger players who can press wide receivers at the line of scrimmage even when in zone coverage. Alford also had to learn to play nickel back for the first time this season when rookie Jalen Collins, who does have the ideal size for the defense, played right cornerback in the nickel defense.
But after an up-and-down third season with the Falcons, Alford said he believes he can thrive in Quinn’s system.
“I feel I fit really well,” Alford said.