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Jamie Collins tackles a Packers participant in 2015.
One of many largest strikes the Detroit Lions made this previous offseason was signing linebacker Jamie Collins. The workforce added the previous New England Patriots star in free company, and it’s one thing which Matt Patricia appeared shocked they have been capable of do.
Chatting with reporters, Patricia was requested about Collins coming to hitch the workforce, and virtually couldn’t cease speaking concerning the affect the linebacker could make. Particularly, Patricia wasn’t certain the Lions would get a shot to signal Collins, however after they did, his present and former coach grew to become utterly overjoyed due to all he brings to the desk.
As Patricia mentioned, he loves what Collins supplies from not solely a bodily standpoint, however a management one. That’s an necessary level for the Lions, who desperately wanted a gentle veteran affect on the place on the roster. Collins can are available in and never solely play a key position for the workforce on the sphere, however off as nicely. That’s a key level for a spot that has a pair of younger linebackers in Jarrad Davis and Jahlani Tavai.
The match of Collins with the workforce has been lauded already, so it is going to be attention-grabbing to see how nicely he manages to show this proper. If Patricia is to be believed, the reply is sort of nicely.
Jamie Collins Thinks Lions Can Win
Collins left the Patriots for the second time in his profession, and this time, he thinks it’s to land with a workforce which is on the upswing when it comes to beginning on the method to make some noise within the NFL.
Talking with Detroit reporters, Collins supplied his tackle the place the workforce is at, and mentioned he thinks that the Lions are proper there as a squad who can take the subsequent step.
Moreover, Collins mentioned he believes that he might be the sort of veteran chief the workforce wants in an effort to take issues to the subsequent degree.
The hope, clearly, is that Collins is ready to do exactly that for the workforce and add some depth and playmaking to a protection that wants it in an enormous manner. Clearly, although, the attraction was there for among the best free agent linebackers in becoming a member of the workforce.
Lions Had been Instructed to Keep away from Jamie Collins
The Lions and Patricia clearly have proven they like Collins for his veteran management, however not everybody was certain they need to have taken the plunge on the New England Patriots linebacker. In accordance with Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, the Lions shouldn’t look within the path of the Patriots’ linebacker who’s about to develop into a free agent.
Right here’s a have a look at what Knox wrote explaining why that’s the case:
“The Detroit Lions need assistance defensively, the place they ranked 31st total this season. Head coach and former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has an affinity for New England gamers—he introduced in each Danny Amendola and Trey Flowers final offseason.
Thus, the Lions may pursue Pats linebacker Jamie Collins in free company—however they shouldn’t.
Collins has been unbelievable for New England this season. He’s amassed 81 tackles, 7.zero sacks, three compelled fumbles and three interceptions.
Nonetheless, he’s 30 years previous and has not performed his finest soccer away from New England. In two-plus seasons with the Cleveland Browns, he had one good-not-great marketing campaign: a 104-tackle, four-sack season in 2018.
Due to his numbers this season, Collins is more likely to land a large contract in free company, the sort of deal that ought to solely be paid by a franchise that may be a piece or two away from competition.”
The Lions have focused Patriots free brokers earlier than, and have seen blended outcomes on that. Clearly, they want an infusion of expertise on protection, and linebacker and rush linebacker is a big want for the workforce. Everybody who’s a free agent that might match may be anticipated to get a tough look with this in thoughts.
Even such, many don’t assume somebody like Collins would fill the necessity correctly for 2020. However he shall be referred to as upon now that he’s within the combine.
Jamie Collins Stats
Collins has been a strong performer within the NFL for years. He began with the Patriots the place he acquired to know Matt Patricia, and later was traded to the Cleveland Browns for a couple of seasons earlier than he acquired launched and signed again in New England.
By way of manufacturing, Collins has been strong as nicely. Collins has put up 577 tackles, 24.5 sacks and registered 16 compelled fumbles in addition to 10 interceptions. He’s been a terror when it comes to his capacity to come back off the sting and make quite a lot of performs for a protection.
Maybe the one concern about Collins proper now’s his age. At 30, he’s getting a bit lengthy within the tooth for an enormous contract, one thing any workforce that thinks about including him must take into account.
It’s potential that veteran expertise will give Collins and the Lions simply the leg up they want. Given his latest feedback, Patricia would doubtless financial institution on this being the case.
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