Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Washington Football Team: Landon Collins will thrive in Jack Del Rio’s new scheme

By Jacob Troutman

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 29: Landon Collins #20 of the Washington Football Team reacts during their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 29: Landon Collins #20 of the Washington Football Team reacts during their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 15: Troy Apke #30 of the Washington Football Team looks on during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on December 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 15: Troy Apke #30 of the Washington Football Team looks on during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on December 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Emergence of Troy Apke

Yes, this one is still up in the air. The former fourth-round pick has really only a week and a half of practice showing the capability to be a starting level safety. However, last year he did show some flashes of being a competent safety. He intercepted a pass against San Francisco in Week 7,  which displayed his potential to play deep safety in the NFL.

Why does Apke really help Collins then? His tools to play deep safety. The issue with Apke has never been a lack of athleticism, it was his angles when tackling. Because of this, he fits solely as a deep or free safety.

In 2019, Collins’ safety partner, Montae Nicholson, was very raw in coverage and lacked discipline. This made Collins have to man the deep safety role far too often, which isn’t his strength.

Apke can use his blazing speed to be at least an average cover safety in the backend, and lay big hits, as he has been in camp. Collins can play closer to the line.

In 2016, his All-Pro season, Collins was used almost in a money backer role. He played close to the line and was able to read the offense and react. In Del Rio’s new scheme you can expect a similar role. Thanks to Apke’s presence, Collins can use his instincts and athleticism to make plays at the line of scrimmage more often.

Home/Commanders News