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Alexander Aging Like Fine Wine

Veteran linebacker Lorenzo Alexander does it all for the Bills defense and he seems to be getting better with age.
Credit: © Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander is in his 12th season in the NFL and he's never been better. He had five tackles including two for a loss in the Bills win over the Lions. Alexander also broke up a screen pass. The 35 year joined the Bills as a free agent before the 2016 season. 

With linebacker Matt Milano out for the season Alexander had to fill his spot and pick up the slack. His teammates rely on him to always get the job done. 

"Zo's a beast. Everything he does for us especially at his age. Having guys like Zo is just amazing. I hope he plays another five years. I'm going to try to talk him into it because this dude is running around like his 23 years old," said safety Micah Hyde.

Alexander said about taking on more of a Milano like role, "...obviously Matt is a great player and has had a pro bowl caliber season so I just wanted to come in there and not let the guys down. Its always hard to fill in for a guy who's been playing as well as he has been. I just wanted to step up and do my part today. I just want to continue to build on this, it allows our team to have depth and  some versatility when I'm able to do that for us."

Alexander played with Baltimore, Washington, Arizona and the Raiders before joining the  Bills. He began his career as an undrafted free agent out of Cal. Now he's playing the best football of his career. 

"That's kind of been my niche my entire career and that's probably one of the reasons why I've never been a starter for the most part, being a jack of all trades is why I've been in the league for 14 years and that's kind of what my role is and I'm just trying to do it to the best of my ability. I've had good coaching obviously and we've got players around you, play makers that definitely makes it easier for me."

Alexander sets a great tone for his teammates most of whom are much younger than the veteran linebacker. 

"Zo's one of the leaders of this defense, he has high expectations of himself that's why he prepares the way he does. He's a great mentor for the younger guys. Guys  like me looking up to him and looking at him in the fourth quarter and being someone that I want to play for and want to grind with. He's a huge asset to our team. I can't say enough about Lorenzo," said safety Jordan Poyer.

Alexander and the Bills take on the Patriots next Sunday in New England.

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