Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera told Landon Collins he really believes he’s a downhill linebacker.
“I did have a conversation with him about it and he was very professional about it,” Rivera said per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. “He and I talked about it and one of the things he expressed is he’s a safety. He loves playing safety. One of the things I express to him is we really believe he’s a downhill player. He’s an impact guy attacking at the line of scrimmage.”
This offseason there was a lot of talk about where to place Collins within the Washington Football Team’s defense. There were reported talks of Collins moving to linebacker to help fill the team’s void.
However, Collins appeared reluctant to switch positions and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio stressed Collins was a safety.
The results of Collins at safety have been negative through the first third of the season. According to Pro Football Focus, only three safeties in the NFL have been worse than Collins in coverage this season. He’s allowed 18 catches on 26 targets.
Coincidentally, a season-ending pectoral injury to Jon Bostic forced Collins to play linebacker primarily in Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He played 68 of Washington’s 82 defensive snaps.
His versatility allowed second-year stud Kamren Curl to play all 82 defensive snaps at safety alongside Bobby McCain.
Collins made six tackles and showed his awareness to help stop the run. However, his coverage woes were still a point of emphasis. Chiefs quarterback Pat Mahomes picked on Collins, completing 5-of-8 passes for 78 yards — most allowed by a Washington defender in coverage.
Landon Collins was a victim of an awesome back shoulder catch by tight end Jordy Forston. But, overall it’s clear Collins’ best suits playing linebacker. Rivera stressed that following the Chiefs game, saying Collins “best football” is when he is closer to the line of scrimmage.
Still, Rivera has admitted Collins has some drawback to making the switch.
His contract plays a huge factor in Washington’s patience with Collins. He’s guaranteed $12.5 million this season with a $16.9 million cap hit. Collins has three years and $37.5 million remaining on his deal after this season. However, none of that money is guaranteed.
His willingness and fit playing linebacker could go a long way with improving Washington’s defense and his future with the team.
