FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Keep an eye on Robert Alford Friday night.
Since the Atlanta Falcons' starters are expected to play more against the New York Jets, Alford could see some snaps in the nickel role rather than just outside at cornerback. It's the alignment coach Dan Quinn has utilized this week, allowing Phillip Adams and rookie Jalen Collins to work outside with starter Desmond Trufant sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Although Alford entered the preseason intent on proving he belongs outside at cornerback opposite Trufant, he has no issues kicking inside to cover slot receivers.
"It's something that I always did in college," Alford said. "When Coach (Quinn) and them came to me about starting outside and then moving to nickel this week, I was cool with it. That's more experience that I get instead of just playing outside. I want to show that I'm versatile. This is my chance this week."
That being said, Quinn made it clear how pleased he has been with Alford's performance outside. Many figured Alford might get pushed into a nickel role anyhow after the drafting of the 6-foot-1-inch, 203-pound Collins, a player with the ideal length and speed to be the type of press corner Quinn desires in his scheme. However, Collins' ongoing struggles indicate he might be far from ready to assume a starting role.
The 5-foot-10-inch, 186-pound Alford isn't too concerned about any competition.
"The first thing I said when they came to me about (nickel), I told them I still want my chance to be starting outside," Alford said. "Of course, I'll move inside whenever they need me to and do that, too."
Alford plays bigger than his size, with a physical style capable of disrupting big receivers. He just needs to play with more discipline and avoid penalties, something he has worked diligently on this offseason and preseason thanks to officials being at practice.
Whether his stint at nickel this week is a cameo or a sign of things to come, Alford needs to be effective against the variety of receivers he and his fellow defensive backs will see throughout the season. Tampa Bay has arguably the most dangerous tandem in Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson. Then with New Orleans, there is Marques Colston and Brandin Cooks. And early in the season, the Falcons have to contend with Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz of the New York Giants.
The biggest obstacle for the Falcons' secondary right now is getting Trufant and strong safety William Moore (calf) back healthy.
"Des, he's going to be back," Alford said. "He's doing good. Every day I speak to him, he says he's getting better and better. We'll have him back before the first game; hopefully next week."
