Rivera believes opinions on Collins are based on “perception and expectations”

Washington safety Landon Collins has had a massive target placed on his back by the fan base and media throughout his third season in Washington. Over the first four weeks, Collins has struggled at the safety position, contributing to numerous big plays for opposing offenses who tested him in coverage. Alternatively, head coach Ron Rivera began the transition of moving Collins into the box; in other words, Rivera’s using him as a linebacker. 

Rivera believes that the issues stemming from the public’s opinions on Collins are based on their perception and expectations. 

“I think a lot of it is perception and expectations. But you watch the way he played last week, you watch the things he did, his physicality, the plays he helped make in the game. And as I said the other day, he has a good role. And the role we used in him is something we feel strongly about his abilities. He’s a downhill, attacking style of player and we got to make sure we’re putting him in position to have success for us. A great example was when they ran that reverse. He was down in the box, he saw it coming, he got outside to contain, turned it back inside and was part of the pileup that helped create the takeaway. Those are the things that he flashes and shows that he’s capable of doing. That’s why, going into last week’s game, based on the matchups, we felt strongly about playing him up in the box.” – Rivera on his assessment of Collins play.

Collins spoke with Rivera, and although Rivera stated that the safety was very professional during the conversation, Collins expressed that he is a safety and loves playing the position. 

“He loves playing safety. One of the things I expressed to him is we really believe he’s a downhill player. He’s an impact guy attacking at the line of scrimmage.” – Rivera on the conversation he and Collins had regarding his new role.

Part of the transition of Collins moving into the box on a more permanent role is understanding all of the run fits, as the coaching staff sees him being an impact player as someone attacking the line of scrimmage.

“For him, the thing would be completely understanding all the run fits. He’s a bright guy, he understands the game and he sees things so I expect him to be able to handle and pick it up quickly. I think based on what we saw, his impact can be attacking the line of scrimmage for us.” – Rivera on the adjustments Collins has to make. 

The transition to linebacker is big for anyone who has played safety as long as Collins. It may take some time, as he is only two games into his transition. With 11 games left on the schedule, is it possible for a Landon Collins resurgence? We will see.