FOXBORO, Mass. — Jamie Collins is as elusive with reporters as he is at avoiding blockers on the game field.
The New England Patriots linebacker is having a breakout season and receiving defensive player of the year hype as he has amassed 49 tackles, 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one pass breakup this season. He spoke Tuesday at Gillette Stadium and caused as much havoc for reporters as he does for opposing offenses.
Collins was asked if the plan going into Sunday was to keep two linebackers on the field for most of the game, and he channeled his inner Marshawn Lynch, quoting the Seattle Seahawks running back.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s what it is,” Collins said. “Whatever they say goes. I’m just here so I won’t get fined.”
Collins said he’ll be ready to play Thursday night against the Miami Dolphins, despite the short week.
“Nah, nah, man, that’s what I get paid to do, man,” Collins said. “Play football, you know?”
Collins is one of the best players on the Patriots’ young defense, and Indianapolis Colts coaches told NBC’s Cris Collinsworth there’s no player other than J.J. Watt for which they’ve spent more time game-planning than the Patriots linebacker.
Collins hasn’t noticed a difference this season.
“No. Not really,” Collins said. “I still get a lot of action. I don’t know. I don’t feel that way.”
Collins joked after the media availability that he’d talk again Wednesday — a day without open locker room for players. Collins likes to do his talking on the field, and quite frankly, there’s nothing wrong with that.
Thumbnail photo via Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports Images
