Anthony Collins Debuts with the Bengals
by Owen Kemp on Nov 21, 2008 8:22 AM CST
in Football
6 comments
Last night on the NFL Network former Jayhawk Anthony Collins made his NFL debut starting at left tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals. Collins was placed into the starting role due to a couple of injuries within the Bengals organization but nonetheless was on the field from the opening whistle until the closing whistle as yet another reminder of what has been missing from this years Jayhawk squad.
I heard the news shortly before kickoff and took the opportunity to watch our old friend play against the #1 Pittsburgh Steelers defense. Collins was going to matchup consistently with Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison. Harrison on the year has recorded 12.5 sacks, two of which were from the first matchup early in the season against Bengals Levi Jones. How did Collins fair? For a rookie making his first start in a word he was exceptional.
Yes there will be room for improvement and his youth showed a few times on some of the Steelers blitz packages, but I focused on those one on one matchups and big Anthony Collins won those and won them convincingly. In the running game he consistently got a strong push and was moving down field, head on a swivel ready to make the addtional block. In pass protection he locked on his man and didn't budge. If there was any doubt in my mind how bad he was actually injured at the tail end of his KU career it was put to rest when I saw Collins moving on the field, fleet of foot and with a quickness we didn't see for the final 4 to 6 games of 2007.
As for Harrison, who many expected to have a big night against the rookie, he only logged 2 tackles and 0 sacks through the 60 minute contest. Anthony Collins drew praise on the NFL Network from Chris Collinsworth. He also drew mention on NFL Live from Mark "Stink" Schlereth, who is one of the more knowledgable, unbiased NFL guys in my opinion. It was an exceptional debut for the big man and while there is no doubt always room to improve it was good to see that yet another from the 2007 Orange Bowl squad looks to have a bright future in this league, although I would love if it were for someone other than the Bengals. Looks like "Mama's gonna eat" AC.
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Collins
Hey guys, Josh from the Bengals blog here. Collins is a keeper, good young talent. When he locked onto guys, they were ineffective. He shut down Harrison, who has owned some o the league’s best left tackles. Anyone that challenged Collins was stalled.
This is the first time we’ve seen him play, and he’s still really young. The thing I noticed his biggest need for work right now is recognizing NFL blitzes, and shedding off defenders that take an inside stunt to protect the edge. Mostly stuff a young lineman has to learn.
Physically, this guy is gifted and with some experience, he’s going to be hella-good.
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Josh Kirkendall on Nov 21, 2008 2:23 PM CST reply actions
Appreciate the feedback from Cincy...
I watched the game last night after I heard he was playing and very glad to hear you guys felt good about his performance too. Sounds like we both saw a lot of the same things, strong one on one work, still needs work in recognizing NFL blitz packages. I just hope the pieces get put into place to make that team more successful. Collins certainly knows a thing or two about being part of turning things around so hopefully he can be a part of it there too.
Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.
RE:
Well, that’s a different story. Bengals are Bengals, you know? But, once we get 12 of our boys back off IR, and once Palmer gets healthy again, maybe something comes of it.
We all recognize that Collins is playing his “senior year” right now, so we expect him to learn under fire. But we could have both tackle spots open for him next season. Our right tackle could bail to free agency and the body of our left tackle (the guy that Collins replaced) is just breaking down too much.
We’re expected to draft another tackle next year. Being in the first 3-4 spots, we might get the best available this year. With Collins, that might be pretty formidable, and thus a foundation to build around.
I’ll come back later and provide another update on your boy as the season closes.
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Josh Kirkendall on Nov 21, 2008 5:35 PM CST up reply actions
That would be great...I look forward to his progression
Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.
another Bengal emigre
Beyond the technique and the athleticism last night, what I was most impressed with in Collins was his attitude. He was doing some pushing and shoving- and it looked like some talking to his Steeler counterparts. He showed some swagger that this team sorely needs- though admittedly, swagger is hard to come by when you suck. Anyway, thanks for AC. I think we’ll keep him.
by IgnatiusJReilly on Nov 21, 2008 6:32 PM CST up reply actions
AC....
and Aqib Talib were the swagger of Kansas 2007. I went to 3 games last year in his final year and I always liked watching Collins outside of just the game. Every game I went to he would emerge from the locker room after everyone else was out and make his way onto the field, bringing an energy with him. Then after each game he had an uncanny knack for being the last one off the field, enjoying the moment. As far as in between plays he was the first to be there to pickup a teammate and the first to be in the endzone to celebrate witht them as well. I know there has been talk around Kansas of his attitude since his departure but it seems like when it’s time to put the pads on he’s a guy you want on your side.
Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.
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