Chosen 46th overall, the 6-foot-3 and 238-pound Alonso was a hard-hitting tackler during three seasons at Oregon.
"We are trying to protect the runner or the tackler from himself in that instance, " McKay said.
WSJ: Proposed NFL Rule Change Irks Hall-of-Famer Emmitt Smith
Their strategy: trading a safety who normally helps cornerbacks with pass coverage for an extra tackler near the line.
Even without a high-profile passer, runner or tackler going at the outset, the fans in the home of the Rockettes were pumped.
His reputation as a fierce tackler -- with a heart of gold for his community work -- earned him admiration and a legion of fans.
Tommy Bowe was the architect, the Ireland and Lions wing stepping inside a would-be tackler to break through and send Biggar down the right wing.
In came noted tackler Joe Worsley, 6ft 8in second row Shaw and 17 stone centre Ayoola Erinle, but Johnson's plans were undermined inside the first 60 seconds.
The story of the girlfriend came to light in September as Notre Dame continued its improbable undefeated season, and Te'o, a relentless tackler, was beginning to emerge as a front-runner for the prestigous Heisman Trophy.
In a conference call on Thursday, the league's competition committee unveiled a list of proposals that included a rule in which a runner or tackler will no longer be able to initiate contact with the crown of his helmet.
WSJ: Proposed NFL Rule Change Irks Hall-of-Famer Emmitt Smith
Three minutes later referee Paul Adams inadvertently obstructed a would-be tackler allowing Howley to dart from a scrum and spark a move which climaxed in a long pass by fly-half Paul Burke for left wing Craig Morgan to score.
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