S Landon Collins
June 6, 2016
Q: As you go through OTAs this year, do you feel like you’re light years ahead of where you were last year at this time?
A: Yes. After seeing things and going through a lot of stuff last year, now it’s basically kind of second nature. It’s like, I’ve seen this before— I know what’s going to happen or what the outcome of this situation, so let me just play it this way and put myself in the best situation to make a play or cause something [bad] from not happening.
Q: When you look back on where you were a year ago, what do you think of the Landon Collins then compared to the Landon Collins now?
A: Landon Collins now is very confident in himself and very knowing— very understanding of the situation and progress with what he’s learned. If you saw him this past year, his standard of playing is elevated— last year, Landon was kind of just out there just trying to make plays and going through the motions, just trying not to mess up. So that’s probably the biggest thing— you could say that last year I was kind of lost and just trying to figure it out as the season went on.
Q: Was last year’s Landon confident that he could do the job starting?
A: Oh yeah, he was definitely confident that he could do the job, but when the season kept going on he tried to just pick apart different things and didn’t know how to really study what you’re supposed to with the opponents and stuff like that. And you constantly pick up each and every game, making sure that as you go through you got better and better, so now that this new season is coming, you go through the situations that you’ve been through last year that you see now, and it’s like, ‘Oh yeah, I saw this earlier. I know what’s about to happen.’ You see a concept already, and it’s just second nature— you just click and go with it.
Q: Is part of that just that you’re familiar with the defense now? You know exactly what you’re supposed to do anytime that [Coach] Spags makes a call?
A: Yeah— just knowing exactly what to do, where you’re supposed to be, and where you can give yourself help. So definitely, just knowing the defense and being a better player.
Q: You’re playing with a bunch of guys who were hurt— you’re the draft choice coming in— and now, you’re suddenly like the old guy in the secondary. Are you comfortable with that, helping other guys out and being the leader now back there?
A: Definitely, definitely. I definitely like helping other guys out, because once you get to know it [the defense] and once you get it under your belt, then you figure like where you can get help. Then the coaches constantly give you more and more help with the defense, and where you can help out everywhere. It’s just like, you pass it on to your guys that are behind you and when they go on the field, it’s like second nature to them. So they have a step ahead, when I didn’t have that step ahead [laughs]…
Q: You played long seasons in college— were you worn down at all physically at the end of your first NFL season?
A: No, worn down? No, I wasn’t worn down… I can’t say I was worn down because I love the game of football— I can’t let it wear me down— maybe we’ll see when you ask me 10 years from now and we’ll see how it goes from there, but as of right now, no.
Q: What did starting all 16 games do for you? What did it mean to you to be able to do that as far as your advancement in the defense?
A: Starting all 16 games was a privilege, and it’s an honor. And what it does for me, it gives me the knowledge of the game, it gives me the knowledge of every player and every team and anybody I went against last year. And for the new teams that we’ll play this year, it gives me the knowledge to see things that I went through last year against a team, and if I can compare that to a team that we’re going to play this year, I’ll know what’s going to happen and I’ll have a step ahead.
Q: You started every game last season— are you convinced that you could be a great player in this league?
A: Yes. Definitely, I can definitely be a great player. That’s the outcome— that’s the goal. Definitely each and every game I’m trying to be one of the best players that came off the field.
Q: What do you specifically want to do better this year?
A: Just be a better playmaker— a game changer. Being in the right position is my biggest concern, because last year I was not. I was always kind of scattered all over the field and didn’t know where to do things at, and now that I know where to be and how to help and so on, I’ll be able to see more and then not just key on what I was trying to key on.
Q: A lot of rookies do— did you make a lot of mental mistakes last year?
A: Oh yes… I walked into a defense and tried to figure it all out and go with it, and I definitely made a lot of mistakes. But you learn from them, and if I can help the next guy, that’s what I’ll do.
Q: And as you’re out on the field now, have you cut down the mental mistakes?
A: Oh my God, I’ve cut down the worst. I’ve cut down maybe 1 or 2… Coach now really only gets me on specific things that if I can do this, I’ll help here or be here in this position or something like that, but besides making missed calls or making the wrong calls, no none of that.
Q: And you weren’t just out there— you led the team in tackles. What did it mean for you to be able to contribute like that?
A: That’s one way I can make plays. If I can’t make the right call or be in the right position, then I’m definitely going to run to the ball and make sure the person is not scoring. But definitely, that was my job. I was a great tackler in college and I’m going to bring that from college onto the NFL.
Q: So even if you have a mental error, it’s just get to the ball…
A: Get to the ball. If you can get to the ball and make the game change and make a fumble, then we get off the field. That’s what players do— just get to the ball.
Q: Obviously you have a lot of help on defense now with guys coming in— Jack Rabbit, Olivier, linebackers— how excited are you about the new defense?
A: Oh, very excited. We have a lot of key positions filled in, and they’ll give us a lot of help in the secondary, and we’re going to make a lot more plays. So definitely get off the field on third downs and give our offense the ball a lot more times to score.
Q: So is it fair to say you’re confident that this defense is going to be a lot better this year?
A: Definitely confident. The defense is going to be way better than last year.
With a Legit Free Safety and the addition of Harrison this kid is gonna make Big Plays .
Based on what exactly? He looked awful last year and most awful players don't become real good even with a upgrade along side them.
Quote:
is going to be a real good SS.
Based on what exactly? He looked awful last year and most awful players don't become real good even with a upgrade along side them.
In what way(s) was Collins "awful?"
Was it his "awful" 112 tackles? His nine PDefs, one int, and one ff - were they "awful?"
Was it his "awful" inclusion on the 2015 PFWA All-Rookie Team?
Please, enlighten me, because what I saw last year wasn't "awful." What I saw was a kid pressed into service, out of position, who played in all 16 games, with an abysmal supporting cast around him.
So, again, and please be specific, tell me why Collins was "awful?"
Quote:
is going to be a real good SS.
Based on what exactly? He looked awful last year and most awful players don't become real good even with a upgrade along side them.
In what way(s) was Collins "awful?"
Was it his "awful" 112 tackles? His nine PDefs, one int, and one ff - were they "awful?"
Was it his "awful" inclusion on the 2015 PFWA All-Rookie Team?
Please, enlighten me, because what I saw last year wasn't "awful." What I saw was a kid pressed into service, out of position, who played in all 16 games, with an abysmal supporting cast around him.
So, again, and please be specific, tell me why Collins was "awful?"
Quote:
is going to be a real good SS.
Based on what exactly? He looked awful last year and most awful players don't become real good even with a upgrade along side them.
In what way(s) was Collins "awful?"
Was it his "awful" 112 tackles? His nine PDefs, one int, and one ff - were they "awful?"
Was it his "awful" inclusion on the 2015 PFWA All-Rookie Team?
Please, enlighten me, because what I saw last year wasn't "awful." What I saw was a kid pressed into service, out of position, who played in all 16 games, with an abysmal supporting cast around him.
So, again, and please be specific, tell me why Collins was "awful?"
Quote:
is going to be a real good SS.
Based on what exactly? He looked awful last year and most awful players don't become real good even with a upgrade along side them.
In what way(s) was Collins "awful?"
Was it his "awful" 112 tackles? His nine PDefs, one int, and one ff - were they "awful?"
Was it his "awful" inclusion on the 2015 PFWA All-Rookie Team?
Please, enlighten me, because what I saw last year wasn't "awful." What I saw was a kid pressed into service, out of position, who played in all 16 games, with an abysmal supporting cast around him.
So, again, and please be specific, tell me why Collins was "awful?"
Quote:
In comment 12983577 mrvax said:
Quote:
is going to be a real good SS.
Based on what exactly? He looked awful last year and most awful players don't become real good even with a upgrade along side them.
In what way(s) was Collins "awful?"
Was it his "awful" 112 tackles? His nine PDefs, one int, and one ff - were they "awful?"
Was it his "awful" inclusion on the 2015 PFWA All-Rookie Team?
Please, enlighten me, because what I saw last year wasn't "awful." What I saw was a kid pressed into service, out of position, who played in all 16 games, with an abysmal supporting cast around him.
So, again, and please be specific, tell me why Collins was "awful?"
Do you watch the games or just go by misleading stats?
He was awful in coverage just as he was in Alabama. A safety in 2016 cannot be awful in coverage and be a very good player.
And enough with this out of position nonsense. Spags safeties have to play both spots. If Collins can't, he's useless here.
And with that knowledge, and a few reasonable potential replacements with similar skill sets to Collins (Berhe, Taylor, maybe D Thompson), there isn't a whiff of suggestion from anyone that Collins' starting slot is open to challenge.
Your comments are beyond absurd, but that's your par...
And with that knowledge, and a few reasonable potential replacements with similar skill sets to Collins (Berhe, Taylor, maybe D Thompson), there isn't a whiff of suggestion from anyone that Collins' starting slot is open to challenge.
Your comments are beyond absurd, but that's your par...
Wow the first pick in the second round has a head start on a starting spot (based on your conjecture). That must mean he's going to be very good.
Simple question. Did you see quality NFL safety coverage ability with Collins last year. Yes or no?
Berhe is a 5'10" 4.7 guy who was a fifth round pick and hasn't done shit in the NFL. That's your go to example?
Please give me one reason you think Collins will be a very good safety other than he was a high pick on your favorite team.
Quote:
Deliberately making nitwit remarks isn't your strong suit, but persist as you must. And yes, there is talent among the safety group. Berhe in particular was an excellent college player and a multi year starter.
Berhe is a 5'10" 4.7 guy who was a fifth round pick and hasn't done shit in the NFL. That's your go to example?
Please give me one reason you think Collins will be a very good safety other than he was a high pick on your favorite team.
To start with his collegiate resume, and you're full of shit saying "he hasn't done anything" in the NFL. As a rookie he was a good STs player on several STs units over all 16 games I think. He was getting strong consideration to start as a 2nd year pro but was waylaid for the entire season by a freak soft tissue injury.
What more could he have shown? Not too many 5th round picks explode onto the scene. Anyway you chicken shitted your way out of answering the thread that pointed out Collins' stats line and inclusion on the PFW all rookie team, right?
Quote:
In comment 12983969 chris r said:
Quote:
In comment 12983577 mrvax said:
Quote:
is going to be a real good SS.
Based on what exactly? He looked awful last year and most awful players don't become real good even with a upgrade along side them.
In what way(s) was Collins "awful?"
Was it his "awful" 112 tackles? His nine PDefs, one int, and one ff - were they "awful?"
Was it his "awful" inclusion on the 2015 PFWA All-Rookie Team?
Please, enlighten me, because what I saw last year wasn't "awful." What I saw was a kid pressed into service, out of position, who played in all 16 games, with an abysmal supporting cast around him.
So, again, and please be specific, tell me why Collins was "awful?"
Do you watch the games or just go by misleading stats?
He was awful in coverage just as he was in Alabama. A safety in 2016 cannot be awful in coverage and be a very good player.
And enough with this out of position nonsense. Spags safeties have to play both spots. If Collins can't, he's useless here.
Do you understand what "be specific" means? Tell me in what games he was awful in coverage? Who was he covering and how was his coverage awful? What was the situation at the time? Who else was on the field and what were their responsibilities in relation to his?
Collins played all 16 games and led team in tackles. Yes I realize we had bad Safeties, but not too many rookies make it from the first play of the season to the last so that is actually quite good. He clearly knew how to find the ball. Now we look for him to find the ball quicker and in a more downhill fashion.
And yes, he definitely got beat in coverage. From my vantage point I think he has to learn how close he needs to be in the NFL to actually be covering his man. Too often he was in the area but not close enough, and as a result he gave up receptions and yards.
But he has game and showed he can hold his own. Its not like he was "targeted" like many others on our porous defense last year. I look forward to seeing this guy be our SS on an improving unit...
It's pretty clear the guy was learning on the fly last year. He blatantly admits it in this transcript. Are you really surprised that a rookie struggled in a defense that was a) playing terribly in front of him and b) one where he had to play a role that wasn't best suited for him?
I saw a lot of positives last year despite the learning curve and I think he's going to be a good player. I'm excited to watch how he progresses. It's great to hear him sound so much more confident now. When a player is able to stop thinking so much and just play, you see a major difference in performance. Hopefully that's what we'll see from Landon this year and will be the reason for a jump.
why is it so hard to admit? it's right there in the transcript and if you didn't see it last year its on you
Quote:
is going to be a real good SS.
Based on what exactly? He looked awful last year and most awful players don't become real good even with a upgrade along side them.
why is it so hard to admit? it's right there in the transcript and if you didn't see it last year its on you
Hopefully he plays a lot faster with a year of experience, but it is entirely possible in nickle and dime he could play the Deon Grant role which was basically nickle linebacker.
Collins is a core player moving forward.