Kwon Alexander: I promise you I will be better next game

The Kwon Alexander “revenge game” didn’t last long, as the San Francisco 49ers linebacker was ejected in the first quarter after lowering his helmet to initiate contact on Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston.

The biggest homer can’t complain about the hit, as this is exactly what the NFL is trying to do away with. Alexander can expect a hefty fine later this week.

Kyle Shanahan said after the game that Alexander received the game ball from his teammates. Shanahan said it was a big deal for Kwon to play in Tampa. He acknowledged it was hard on Kwon to only play the first quarter of a game of this magnitude for him. This led to Kwon receiving the game ball. Alexander responded that he was appreciative of receiving the game ball. Here was his quote:

“It doesn’t belong to him. It belongs to his teammates. They went out and put the work in. It’s not my ball. It’s our ball. It meant a lot. They had my back. They told me they were going to have my back. They went out there and did their job. They did what they said. The hit on Jameis Winston) wasn’t intentional. I was just playing hard and playing fast… (The Bucs) know me more than anybody. They know I’m not a player like that.”

Alexander will be remembered for the hit, as well as the dropped interception that he may have scored on. He finished the game with three tackles, and two of them were stops. Alexander has a great opportunity to rebound against the Cincinnati Bengals. Especially if Alexander shows off the energy and hustle, he displayed in limited action against the Bucs. Alexander isn’t expected to be suspended.

It was in limited action, but how did you feel about Alexander in his 49ers’ debut? Did you notice his absence with Mark Nzeocha filling in?

Alexander’s ejection did not stop him from being there for his teammates after the game.