Studs and Duds Week 7

[Patler]

I wonder what Collins did to learn to catch?

One of the reasons he looks so much better this year is because of the interceptions. But...in previous year he had lots and lots of opportunities for interceptions, but dropped the ball time and again, sometimes even on fairly easy looking interceptions. Our opinions of how well he was playing may have been better if he had simply caught the ball more often. Maybe that's why the coaches have remained so high on him and the way he played previous year.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I wonder what Collins did to learn to catch?

One of the reasons he looks so much better this year is because of the interceptions. But...in previous year he had lots and lots of opportunities for interceptions, but dropped the ball time and again, sometimes even on fairly easy looking interceptions. Our opinions of how well he was playing may have been better if he had simply caught the ball more often. Maybe that's why the coaches have remained so high on him and the way he played previous year.

Which is one of the reasons I kept a little faith. He was said to have good hands coming out of college, and he was a playmaker on that level (although small college). It's not just the interceptions though. He's taking better angles, making big plays in the run game, and he is also breaking up more passes--not just being in the area because of his speed.

The article about Woodson helping him out makes me wonder why Chuck couldn't have done this a year or two ago.


Sounds like Chuck is not only playing well, but he's become a team leader. Makes me think he's really enjoying his time in Green Bay.

[Patler]

The article about Woodson helping him out makes me wonder why Chuck couldn't have done this a year or two ago.


Sounds like Chuck is not only playing well, but he's become a team leader. Makes me think he's really enjoying his time in Green Bay.

There was an article about Woodson this past off season in which he mentioned that when he first came to GB it was just a job, and he wanted to be back home. But last year he realized how much he liked and wanted to be in Green Bay, even for the off-season activities. He also mentioned that as a newcomer it takes a while to feel like you are entitled to put forth a leadership role, not wanting to step on others' toes.

The more I see and hear from Woodson, it is hard to imagine how he had such a bad reputation coming out of Oakland. He was labeled as a malcontent, a selfish player unwilling to play with injuries, and even a locker room cancer. He has been exactly the opposite in Green Bay. Just proves how messed up the situation in Oakland must be.

[boiga]

Collins is considered the best athlete on our defense and thus always had the skill to make athletic catches. His teammates are giving him a lot of credit this season for improving the mental side of his game. Woodson's been helping him out in the film room to better take advantage of quarterback tendencies in various formations. This means that Collins is more likely to be in the right position to make a play on the ball than in the past.

If you know where the ball is going, you're going to have a lot better chance to catch it.

[Bossman641]

Collins is considered the best athlete on our defense and thus always had the skill to make athletic catches. His teammates are giving him a lot of credit this season for improving the mental side of his game. Woodson's been helping him out in the film room to better take advantage of quarterback tendencies in various formations. This means that Collins is more likely to be in the right position to make a play on the ball than in the past.

If you know where the ball is going, you're going to have a lot better chance to catch it.

Yep. I know Collins has been doing a lot more film study this year. After his pick 6 against the Lions he said he had watched a ton of film and had been waiting for the Lions to run that route all game. When he saw it, just reacted and jumped the route.

I don't know if the other DB's have been getting studying a ton of game film as well, but they seem to be getting better jumps on a lot of balls - Rouse's pick yesterday as an example. When Manning wound up to throw that ball I was just hoping Rouse would get there in time to put a big hit on Gonzalez and knock the ball loose. I was shocked when he reached out and snared the ball.

[retailguy]

Even the OL played a wee bit better.... Maybe there is hope! :P

[Fritz]

Collins is considered the best athlete on our defense and thus always had the skill to make athletic catches. His teammates are giving him a lot of credit this season for improving the mental side of his game. Woodson's been helping him out in the film room to better take advantage of quarterback tendencies in various formations. This means that Collins is more likely to be in the right position to make a play on the ball than in the past.

If you know where the ball is going, you're going to have a lot better chance to catch it.

Yep. I know Collins has been doing a lot more film study this year. After his pick 6 against the Lions he said he had watched a ton of film and had been waiting for the Lions to run that route all game. When he saw it, just reacted and jumped the route.

I don't know if the other DB's have been getting studying a ton of game film as well, but they seem to be getting better jumps on a lot of balls - Rouse's pick yesterday as an example. When Manning wound up to throw that ball I was just hoping Rouse would get there in time to put a big hit on Gonzalez and knock the ball loose. I was shocked when he reached out and snared the ball.

My theory is that a lot of guys come out of college having thrived on mere talent, and hard (mental) work was never necessary. Once these young guys mature (the ones who do) they see this as a profession more than as a game, and they begin to understand the need to go beyond playing to understanding the game - and that that comes from study and from reps.

So it seems that Collins has seen the light, and he's begun to study. This gives him an advantage he did not have before. That and the fact he's played long enough to have a feel for the game.