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5 reasons why Jamie Collins will win Defensive Player of the Year in 2016

By Connor Fulton

Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) is tackled by New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) during the second half in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) is tackled by New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) during the second half in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jamie Collins
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) is tackled by New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) during the second half in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Here are five reasons why New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins will earn Defensive Player of the Year honors this upcoming season:

5. Seven forced fumbles

Last year, despite missing one-fourth of the regular season, Collins led the entire NFL with five forced fumbles. The 250-pound clearly has a knack for finding the football regardless of whether it’s a quarterback, running back, wide receiver or tight end carrying it.

Collins will match his 2015 total of five forced fumbles and then add another two for a grand total of seven forced fumbles. That’s unreal production, and it will draw the attention of the greater NFL community.

3 sources of worry on Patriots roster

At the beginning of last season, Collins recorded a forced fumble in three straight games spanning from Week 2 through Week 5 (remember, the Pats had that terrible Week 4 bye last year). Look for another hot start out of the gate for the fourth-year pro as he registers three of his seven total forced fumbles in the month of September.

Collins will also nab his share of loose fumbles; let’s call it three fumble recoveries, two more than his 2015 figure.

Next: 4. Excellent pass coverage and 4 INTs

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