With starting cornerback Desmond Trufant out of action, second-year cornerback Jalen Collins made his first start of the season on Sunday and recorded six of tackles, including one tackle for loss, against Philadelphia.
After playing all 16 games of his rookie season, Collins’ break this season came when Trufant suffered a shoulder injury in the first half of the Falcons 43-28 win over Tampa Bay on Nov. 3. He has made a strong impression after serving a four-game suspension.
“Most impressively for me was the times when he challenged the throws,” defensive coordinator Richard Smith said of Collins’ play against the Buccaneers. “In the short period of time he was in, he had tight coverage and two pass break-ups and also it showed the physical part of his game when he came down and played down by the end zone and he came off and made a nice hit on the quarterback. I’ve been really pleased with that and hopefully he can continue to make progress.”
Collins had two tackles against the Buccaneers and finished the game at cornerback for Trufant, the Pro Bowler who didn’t return to the game. Collins is filling some big shoes. Trufant had recorded 31 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception and four pass deflections before he was injured.
“The work that we put in, it prepared me,” Collins said of stepping in for Trufant. “I actually didn’t have any game reps leading up to (the Tampa Bay game). So just all the work that we put in, the scout team against the offense and then in the meetings with the other guys that have been playing on defense, it paid off.”
Including his start against the Eagles on Sunday, Collins has only played in three games after being suspended for the first four games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy. In those three games, Collins recorded eight tackles, one tackle for loss and one deflected pass.
“Early on, we didn’t have (Collins) dressed at times and he missed some ball games,” coach Dan Quinn said. “We thought (cornerback C.J.) Goodwin was participating on special teams better, but as it played out in the game, Collins had a good ball game (against Tampa Bay).”
Due to his suspension and breakout special teams performance by Goodwin, a first-year wide receiver turned cornerback, Collins is currently listed at third-team behind Robert Alford and Goodwin.
Goodwin, moved from wide receiver in May, has played in eight of 10 games at cornerback and on special team, similar to the roles Collins filled in his rookie season. Goodwin has recorded seven tackles and two deflected passes.
“(Being replaced) is going to test anybody. But it’s not about me, it’s about the team,” Collins said. “So just whatever the coaches decide and whatever way I can help, that’s what I’m here to do.”
Although disappointing to lose some playing time, Collins has been singled out for his attitude after coming back from his suspension.
“This year, defensively, we’ve had quite a few guys take on different roles, so when Jalen was dressed and ready, we thought he would answer the bell, so to speak.” Quinn said. “He certainly did. So he’s certainly someone we have a lot of confidence in and his teammates have a lot of confidence in him as well.”
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