Landon Collins is essentially a linebacker after record safety deal

Washington Football Team strong safety Landon Collins is essentially more linebacker than safety, according to head coach Ron Rivera. 

The game of football is changing rapidly, as teams move forward with nimble running backs and swift receivers.

Because of this, strong safeties like the Seattle Seahawks’ Jamal Adams and Washington Football Team‘s Landon Collins are playing in the box more than usual.

So when Ron Rivera referred to Collins as more of a linebacker on Wednesday, it was less a surprise and more an eventuality.

Collins has played at linebacker for the past two games, which is why Rivera described Collins’ new role as “a lot of perceptions and expectations.”

“He has a good role,” Rivera said in a press conference. “And the role we used him in is something we feel strongly about his abilities. He’s a downhill, attacking style of player and we got to make sure and we got to make sure we’re putting him in position to have success for us.”

Landon Collins is basically a linebacker in Washington after being paid fortune

Since WFT has played him in the linebacker position, Collins’ role in the defense has only increased. Collins played 100 percent of snaps in Weeks 4 and 5, and he played 83 percent of snaps in Week 6.

Some strong safeties like Collins have proven better playing more like linebackers, which was evidenced when Deonte Harris broke past Collins for a 72-yard touchdown in Week 5.

We’ve seen some safeties permanently make the move, such as Dallas Cowboy Keanu Neal. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn knew Neal’s skillset could be better applied in his new position, and the results are clear.