Patriots Gridiron News 10/30: Jamie Collins Setting His Own High Bar

New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins is not worried about the pedestal he is put on. He is just out to play the game his own way.

Jamie Collins is already recognized as one of the best linebackers in the NFL. But are the expectations set too high? In an interview with the Boston Herald, the New England Patriots linebacker talked about the high bar that has been set for him and how he just plays the game the way he wants.

"“That’s life,” Collins told the Herald in response to the high bar set upon him. “Everybody always sets the bar higher than what it is for you, or higher than what you have it. [That’s] just life. That’s with everything. It’s not just football. It’s life. It’s just what it is. That’s the way people are.”"

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Part of that is the fault of Collins. So far in his three-plus seasons in the NFL, he has intercepted passes, stripped sack quarterbacks, leaped over lines to block field goals and have showcased an athleticism not many have seen at the linebacker position. So when he is not making those kinds of plays, those same people who have set the bar high question his effort. It’s not fair, but Collins is not letting it change how he plays the game.

"“I mean, it doesn’t affect me at all,” Collins said. “I’m going to do my business regardless. But that’s the thing. That’s what I’m saying. That’s everybody else’s pedestal, not mine. I handle my business or whatever it is, and I do what I do. Everybody else can take it how they want to take it.”"

The fourth-year linebacker is in the final year of his rookie contract. Hopefully, the big pay day comes in New England where he is already one half of a great duo of linebackers. Along with Dont’a Hightower, Collins has the ability to change a game single handedly. The only issue with both players is their battle with injuries.

When healthy there is no question who deserves the big contract. For Jamie Collins, he will continue to play the game his way and do what the team asks in order to win games.

Martellus Bennett: The Patriots will have both of their tight ends available on Sunday. According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, Martellus Bennett is expected to play against the Buffalo Bills.

Bennett was absent from practice Friday, but it appears he was just resting so he could be as fresh as possible against the Bills. Without Bennett, New England would’ve went into the game with just one true tight end which would’ve changed the offensive game plan tremendously.

Of course, they are just one injury away from landing in that predicament anyway. Fullback James Develin would step in if needed.

Woodrow Hamilton: Rookie defensive lineman Woodrow Hamilton has been downgraded to out against the Buffalo Bills. He has been listed as questionable all week due to a shoulder injury. This means fellow rookie defensive tackle Vincent Valentine will most likely play. He has made the trip to Buffalo with the team. Valentine hasn’t played since Week 4 due to a back injury.

Next: Boston Celtics Avoid The Hornets Sting In Charlotte

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