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Jamie Collins tackles a Packers participant in 2015.
One of many greatest strikes the Detroit Lions made this previous offseason was signing linebacker Jamie Collins. The staff added the previous New England Patriots star in free company, and it’s one thing which Matt Patricia appeared surprised they had been in a position to do.
Talking to reporters, Patricia was requested about Collins coming to affix the staff, and nearly couldn’t cease speaking in regards to the influence the linebacker could make. Particularly, Patricia wasn’t positive the Lions would get a shot to signal Collins, however after they did, his present and former coach grew to become utterly overjoyed because of all he brings to the desk.
As Patricia stated, he loves what Collins supplies from not solely a bodily standpoint, however a management one. That’s an essential level for the Lions, who desperately wanted a gradual veteran affect on the place on the roster. Collins can are available in and never solely play a key function for the staff on the sector, however off as properly. 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 staff has been lauded already, so it will likely be attention-grabbing to see how properly he manages to show this proper. If Patricia is to be believed, the reply is sort of properly.
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 staff 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 staff is at, and stated he thinks that the Lions are proper there as a squad who can take the subsequent step.
Moreover, Collins stated he believes that he could be the sort of veteran chief the staff wants as a way to take issues to the subsequent stage.
The hope, clearly, is that Collins is ready to just do that for the staff and add some depth and playmaking to a protection that wants it in a giant manner. Clearly, although, the attraction was there for among the finest free agent linebackers in becoming a member of the staff.
Lions Have 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 positive 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 route 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 general 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 might pursue Pats linebacker Jamie Collins in free company—however they shouldn’t.
Collins has been incredible for New England this season. He’s amassed 81 tackles, 7.zero sacks, three pressured 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 prone 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 rivalry.”
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 large want for the staff. Everybody who's a free agent that might match is perhaps anticipated to get a tough look with this in thoughts.
Even such, many don’t suppose somebody like Collins would fill the necessity correctly for 2020. However he can be known 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 received to know Matt Patricia, and later was traded to the Cleveland Browns for a couple of seasons earlier than he received launched and signed again in New England.
By way of manufacturing, Collins has been strong as properly. Collins has put up 577 tackles, 24.5 sacks and registered 16 pressured fumbles in addition to 10 interceptions. He’s been a terror when it comes to his capability 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 a giant contract, one thing any staff that thinks about including him should take into account.
It’s attainable that veteran expertise will give Collins and the Lions simply the leg up they want. Given his current feedback, Patricia would doubtless financial institution on this being the case.
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