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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) /
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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 30: Chase Young #2 the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on during the first half of a college football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 30: Chase Young #2 the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on during the first half of a college football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

An elite defensive line

This may be the last point mentioned, but it may be the most important reason as to why Collins could flourish in this system. The defensive line, while unproven, is one of the deepest and best defensive lines in the NFL.

On the edge, you have a potential superstar in Chase Young, the young and athletic Montez Sweat, and, oh yeah, a perennial Pro Bowler in Ryan Kerrigan. On the interior, you have the two Alabama boys, Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen, and then the team’s 2019 sack leader, Matt Ioannidis.

A stout defensive line played a big role in Landon Collins’ success in New York. The defensive line had the best run-stopping defensive tackle in the game at the time, Damon Harrison. Oliver Vernon was still a respected edge rusher and Jason Pierre-Paul had a resurgence following his firework accident.

The Giants defensive line in 2016 was one of the better ones in the league. They drew a lot of attention from the offense. This allowed for Collins to have open lanes to the running backs in the run game and he was able to play underneath when New York rushed four. He just had to rely on his instincts and he had to have good run fits.

Washington is slated to have an even better defensive line than New York’s in 2016. Multiple players on that line could require double teams to be stopped, and obviously, there are only five offensive linemen. If this defensive line is as advertised, Collins will have room to make plays.

A stout defensive line is maybe the most important component to a down in the box safeties game. The added attention on the front four will allow your athletic playmakers, behind the front four, to play fast and make plays. That’s something that suits Collins game very well.

Next. Breaking down Washington's wide receiver position battle. dark

With a true over the top safety, a new scheme, and an elite defensive line, Landon Collins will be allowed to play to his strengths and has a chance to flourish.

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