Kiko Alonso has been spectacular for the Dolphins throughout the first six games of the 2018 season. His play mirrors more of the player we saw in 2016, and the guy that recorded 152 total tackles as a rookie in 2013.

But it wasn’t always sunshine and roses.

Injuries plagued his career in Buffalo, who later sent the Cuban native to the Philadelphia Eagles, in exchange for all-pro running back Lesean McCoy.

With Philly, Kiko never quite lived up to the hype and fans soon became frustrated with his up-and-down play.

And then prior to the 2016 season, he was traded to sunny South Florida.

Packaged with cornerback Byron Maxwell, the Dolphins added two starters to their defense, while moving back five spots in the NFL draft.

Philly would later use that ammunition to acquire Carson Wentz.

The Dolphins, however, would soon find out they had acquired a key difference maker in the middle of their defense.

2016 was a special year for the Dolphins.

They made the playoffs for the first time in eight, long, excruciating seasons.

But most importantly, they started to build a foundation on defense, that would soon prove to be well worth the investment.

In 2016, Kiko Alonso started 15 games for the Dolphins at middle linebacker. Despite his up-and-down play in coverage, Alonso proved to be one of the best run-stoppers in the NFL. His 115 total tackles were best on the team.

And then in 2017, the Dolphins decided to move Kiko outside in favor of rookie linebacker Raekwon McMillan. Unfortunately, McMillan got hurt on his very first snap in preseason.

This forced the Dolphins’ hand, and instead of moving Kiko back to the position he thrived at in 2017, he was asked to do too much in coverage, and less as the run stopper. Alonso still finished the year with 115 tackles, but it wasn’t the year many had hoped after inking the linebacker to a three-year, $29-million contract extension.

Frank Bush, the Dolphins LB coach, had an interesting take on Kiko’s 2017 performance.

“I was expecting a lot more from him," Bush said. "I’m sure he was expecting a lot more from me. He did what we thought he should do. He can play better. He can play better in coverage. Some of his tackling was suspect. We’re working on all of those things, but I think he will be better. He came off a hand injury last year. No excuses, but coming off a hand, he didn’t do as well as we’d thought he would do early. He’ll come around.

Flash forward to 2018, where for lack of a better term, Kiko Alonso is playing like a “man who’s hair is on fire”. Alonso is all over the field, and making play after play when needed most.

But a lot of his early success in 2018 can be contributed to his supporting cast.

Raekwon McMillan is healthy and playing well.

Rookie linebacker Jerome Baker is playing like a seasoned veteran, and possesses the speed to make plays most other LBs can only dream of.

Truth is, both are significant upgrades over the Lawrence Timmons' and Rey Maualuga’s of the world.

Most importantly, however, is how well Kiko Alonso has played in coverage. There’s still room for improvement, but he’s regained his previous form and is no longer a liability in pass coverage.

Alonso currently leads the Dolphins with 61 tackles, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. His play has been outstanding, and worth every bit of the contract he signed early in 2017.

If the Dolphins’ defense wants to continue playing at a high level, Kiko Alonso must continue his upward trajectory.

If he can do that, the sky’s the limit for the Dolphins' defense in 2018 and beyond.