Detroit Lions: 3 X-factor players for Week 7 vs. Falcons

2. Jamie Collins, Linebacker

The Detroit Lions defense is set for an intense examination in Atlanta this Sunday. Jamie Collins will have to play his best game thus far in Honolulu blue. Atlanta possesses explosive players all over the field, and they have been outstanding.

With a 1A and 1B duo at wideout, a physical tight end and a superstar running back, Detroit’s defense will be pushed to the very limit and they will need every bit of experience and moxie that Collins has. With the likelihood of having two inexperienced starters at cornerback and having a below-average linebacker beside him, Collins will have to be every bit the field general that linebackers are expected to be.

Collins proved in the victory over Jacksonville that he is a do it all back. He is one of the better tacklers on the team and showed that with seven tackles. He helped bottle up the run game; he also displayed good rushing skills when he was sent as a blitzer and good coverage skills.

Now Tyler Eifert is easier to defend than Hayden Hurst, who is the type of tight end Detroit has struggled to cover in the past. Collins will have his hands full as he will be tasked with doing everything on defense.

He will have to guide the inexperienced guys around him while executing the coach’s plans. Communication will be crucial for him, as will guys like Reggie Ragland and Duron Harmon to help. The beauty of Collins is his versatility. He can line up at the line and drop into coverage; he can sit and play his zone and tackle if a running back breaks to the next level. The Lions will need him to do everything to a high level on Sunday if they’re to win.