A former All-Pro may pose problems for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Washington’s 2019 premiere free-agent signing didn’t have the impact his new team was probably expecting. He didn’t snag any interceptions, but he did force two fumbles while registering 78 solo tackles in 15 games a season ago. That doesn’t mean he’s a slouch or a bust. It’s possible his performance was affected by Washington’s dumpster fire of a situation that surrounded the team 12 months ago.
Under new head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, Collins could get back to his 2016 form, where he earned a First-team All-Pro designation while snagging five interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and 100 solo tackles. The Eagles have known Collins for years but the safety hasn’t provided much of a threat to them over the course of the past two seasons. That doesn’t mean that he can’t.
The hype Antonio Gibson got in training camp might have been warranted. Even though he was the team’s third-round pick this year, he raised enough eyebrows for them to part ways with future Hall-of-Famer Adrian Peterson. The veteran’s best years are behind him, but he showed last season that he still has wheels. On 211 carries, he notched 898 yards and five touchdowns, including one in Week 15 versus the Eagles a season ago.
Peterson wasn’t the only running back Washington released before the regular season. They also parted ways with Derrius Guice following a domestic violence-related charge. With Peterson and Guice gone, Gibson became the unquestioned starter. Originally a wide receiver in his first year at Memphis, he saw time at both wide receiver and at running back in 2019. He tips the scales at 200 pounds, so he has the frame to run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield. He could become a dual-threat as a rookie this season. Don’t be surprised if he does.