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New York Giants: Comparing Landon Collins and Lawrence Taylor

By John Franklin

Nov 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Landon Collins (21) reacts after stopping the Philadelphia Eagles on fourth down during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Landon Collins (21) reacts after stopping the Philadelphia Eagles on fourth down during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Mathews (24) runs with the ball before being tackled by New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Mathews (24) runs with the ball before being tackled by New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Lining up in Multiple Spots on the Field

The way Collins lines up all over the field is similar to, if not a little more impressive than, Taylor. First, go back and watch some L.T. highlights… finished? Good.

Taylor was one of the most innovative and versatile rushers of all-time. He was listed as a right outside linebacker, but he could lineup on both ends of the line. Whether he was rushing from the right or left side, Taylor would always find a way to get to the quarterback.

He was also capable of rushing from the inside. He was notorious for beating tackles around the outside, but was so versatile that at times he would lineup in between the defensive end and tackle. From this position he would bull rush the guard right into the quarterback’s lap.

The reason I would call Collins more versatile is because of his ability to be a playmaker anywhere on the field. Taylor was obviously one of the most dominant pass rushers ever, but this is one of those situations that shows the discrepancy in positions. Taylor wasn’t able to drop deep in coverage because of his size, but Collins has both the size and speed to drop in coverage and fill the box to stop the run.

Collins has showed his speed and tenacity to stop the run, making many plays in the backfield for the Giants this season. He also showed his ability in the secondary, making five interceptions in four games.

Collins has showed that his talent all over the field is very similar to that of Taylor’s, and I think this is the category where the two are most similar.

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