Does the emergence of Jamie Collins signal the end of Brandon Spikes in New England?
Unfortunately, for us New England Patriots fans, it's time to look further ahead than February 2nd, and the potential in's and out's on this football team. One of the key guys who might be on their way out the door is Linebacker Brandon Spikes.
When Jerod Mayo was put on IR early in the season, it was up to Spikes to lead the Linebackers and the front seven in general to try and make up for the loss of their captain. While he didn't put a foot wrong, he didn't particularly excel in an expanded role before being put on IR himself at the end of the regular season.
Who did excel when given a shot? Rookie Jamie Collins.
Collins was able to come in and make some big plays when he filled the void left by Spikes. This wasn't in any old situation, this was in the Playoffs when it mattered most. He came in for the Divisional Round matchup with the Indianapolis Colts and recorded 6 tackles, a sack and an interception. Though things didn't end so well against the Denver Broncos, Collins still stood out. He pretty much looked like the only defensive Patriot who might make a play to turn the game.
Not only did Collins step up, Dont'a Hightower also looked a lot more settled at Middle Linebacker, where he moved to replaced the injured Spikes. He made 8 tackles in both playoff games, made a key interception against the Colts and did a great job stuffing the running games of both opponents.
So where does that leave Spikes? Well, probably hitting Free Agency. Spikes is a guy who didn't come up with a sack in a pass happy league. Nor did he cause a single fumble, after causing 5 last season. He's been hurt for most/all of this season, but even bearing that in mind, it's a drop off that might just cost him his place in New England.
Hightower has proven that he can be the run stuffing Middle Linebacker that is necessary in this league, but also with the lateral speed to make plays in the passing game when necessary. Based on his two postseason showings, Collins is the kind of guy you're looking for at OLB - someone who can disrupt the backfield, match up with Tight Ends in pass coverage. But he's also got the flexibility the Patriots LOVE.
Add into that mix the returning captain Mayo and, if the Patriots show faith in Collins based on his rookie year, Spikes might find himself out of the starting lineup. Based on Spikes' personality (or what I can gather from it), he isn't going to be happy with that. Plus throw in the wide ranging opinions of why he was put on IR in the first place, and maybe Collins has given Bill Belichick the perfect reason to let Spikes go.
Let me know what you think, I'm on Twitter @BrendanAnnely
When Jerod Mayo was put on IR early in the season, it was up to Spikes to lead the Linebackers and the front seven in general to try and make up for the loss of their captain. While he didn't put a foot wrong, he didn't particularly excel in an expanded role before being put on IR himself at the end of the regular season.
Who did excel when given a shot? Rookie Jamie Collins.
 |
| Matt Slocum/AP |
Collins was able to come in and make some big plays when he filled the void left by Spikes. This wasn't in any old situation, this was in the Playoffs when it mattered most. He came in for the Divisional Round matchup with the Indianapolis Colts and recorded 6 tackles, a sack and an interception. Though things didn't end so well against the Denver Broncos, Collins still stood out. He pretty much looked like the only defensive Patriot who might make a play to turn the game.
Not only did Collins step up, Dont'a Hightower also looked a lot more settled at Middle Linebacker, where he moved to replaced the injured Spikes. He made 8 tackles in both playoff games, made a key interception against the Colts and did a great job stuffing the running games of both opponents.
 |
| (AP Photos/Stephen Savoia) |
Hightower has proven that he can be the run stuffing Middle Linebacker that is necessary in this league, but also with the lateral speed to make plays in the passing game when necessary. Based on his two postseason showings, Collins is the kind of guy you're looking for at OLB - someone who can disrupt the backfield, match up with Tight Ends in pass coverage. But he's also got the flexibility the Patriots LOVE.
Add into that mix the returning captain Mayo and, if the Patriots show faith in Collins based on his rookie year, Spikes might find himself out of the starting lineup. Based on Spikes' personality (or what I can gather from it), he isn't going to be happy with that. Plus throw in the wide ranging opinions of why he was put on IR in the first place, and maybe Collins has given Bill Belichick the perfect reason to let Spikes go.
Let me know what you think, I'm on Twitter @BrendanAnnely
