http://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/201...-displays-skills-beyond-years-in-his-2-sacks/
http://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/201...-displays-skills-beyond-years-in-his-2-sacks/
Rookie defensive linemen usually take time to develop. The NFL features offensive linemen who are bigger, stronger and play with better technique than most collegiate players. The rookies who adapt quickly are the ones who not only have outstanding athleticism, but have a strong grasp on pass-rushing technique.
While Dallas Cowboys rookie Maliek Collins hadn’t gotten to the quarterback thus far, he’s flashed his potential multiple times. Against the Cincinnati Bengals, Collins showed a veteran’s savvy in using his hand technique to free up teammates for sacks.
Facing the Cleveland Browns, he showed the same veteran’s savvy to get himself two sacks.
Early in the third quarter, Collins really shows some advanced technique. Initially, the rookie defensive tackle tries a bull rush on the right guard but realizes the offensive lineman has sat down on the rush. Rather than being defeated, Collins uses the initial roadblock to setup the sack.
He very subtly pulls the guard downwards while attempting to cut to the lineman’s inside. The Browns guard is able to stay in front of Collins but he’s very clearly lost his leverage and balance. Knowing this, the rookie then pulls the guard further to the right. He then swats the offensive lineman’s hands off of him and opens a direct path to quarterback Cody Kessler.
The use of hands on this play is not what you normally see out of rookie defensive linemen.
Collins’ second sack required the rookie to display his athleticism. Jack Crawford and Cedric Thornton slant down eating up three defenders while Collins loops around them with a free path to a quarterback.
These kinds of stunts don’t always work but are effective when the offense is forced to pass. The coverage has to hold long enough for Collins to get home. Thus, having an athletic tackle able to quickly move around the crashing linemen is a huge advantage.
The Dallas defensive line isn’t great at rushing the passer. However, Collins has shown great promise already this year. Despite being a rookie, he might already be the Cowboys best interior pass rusher. If Collins can keep up his progression, he’ll be a force for years to come.
http://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/201...-displays-skills-beyond-years-in-his-2-sacks/
Rookie defensive linemen usually take time to develop. The NFL features offensive linemen who are bigger, stronger and play with better technique than most collegiate players. The rookies who adapt quickly are the ones who not only have outstanding athleticism, but have a strong grasp on pass-rushing technique.
While Dallas Cowboys rookie Maliek Collins hadn’t gotten to the quarterback thus far, he’s flashed his potential multiple times. Against the Cincinnati Bengals, Collins showed a veteran’s savvy in using his hand technique to free up teammates for sacks.
Facing the Cleveland Browns, he showed the same veteran’s savvy to get himself two sacks.
Early in the third quarter, Collins really shows some advanced technique. Initially, the rookie defensive tackle tries a bull rush on the right guard but realizes the offensive lineman has sat down on the rush. Rather than being defeated, Collins uses the initial roadblock to setup the sack.
He very subtly pulls the guard downwards while attempting to cut to the lineman’s inside. The Browns guard is able to stay in front of Collins but he’s very clearly lost his leverage and balance. Knowing this, the rookie then pulls the guard further to the right. He then swats the offensive lineman’s hands off of him and opens a direct path to quarterback Cody Kessler.
The use of hands on this play is not what you normally see out of rookie defensive linemen.
Collins’ second sack required the rookie to display his athleticism. Jack Crawford and Cedric Thornton slant down eating up three defenders while Collins loops around them with a free path to a quarterback.
These kinds of stunts don’t always work but are effective when the offense is forced to pass. The coverage has to hold long enough for Collins to get home. Thus, having an athletic tackle able to quickly move around the crashing linemen is a huge advantage.
The Dallas defensive line isn’t great at rushing the passer. However, Collins has shown great promise already this year. Despite being a rookie, he might already be the Cowboys best interior pass rusher. If Collins can keep up his progression, he’ll be a force for years to come.
