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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 Patriots
Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) in the first half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Titans 33-16. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Opportunistic sacking

While it is true that the Patriots lost Chandler Jones, Akiem Hicks and Dominique Easley over the offseason, the fact remains that this front seven has been tracking upward in the pass rushing category for some time now through the longevity of Rob Ninkovich, infusion of Jabaal Sheard, improvement of Dont’a Hightower and drafting of Malcom Brown, Geneo Grissom and Trey Flowers.

Furthermore, Jones has been replaced by Chris Long; Hicks by Terrance Knighton; Easley by Vincent Valentine.

These 30 players will definitely make the final roster

This is all to say that Collins has no shortage of help in the Patriots’ pass rush, meaning he will have plenty of opportunities to exploit protection weaknesses. As an interior linebacker, Collins has a few extra yards to get a full head of steaming going to sack the quarterback.

It should be noted that Collins’ sack totals have risen each year. In his fourth pro season, Collins will best his 2015 sack total of 5.5 by notching 8.5 quarterback takedowns en route to Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Next: 1. Contract year

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