Collins has only one speed: Full
CLEVELAND — Landon Collins and the Giants’ starting defense will be on the field for most, or all, of the first half against the Browns on Monday night at FirstEnergy Stadium. For as long as he is out there, expect Collins to be the dynamic dervish he is when the games count for real.
“Yeah, I mean, when I’m on the f ield, I’m going to be full speed,’’ Collins said. “I don’t know any other speed. If I go half speed, I feel like I’m going to get hurt. If I don’t go to the speed that I’m determined to, I just feel like I’m sluggish. So there’s only one speed for me.’’
This was clearly evident in the preseason opener 11 days ago. Collins started, was in for 10 snaps and looked as if he was determined to make an impact on every play. Despite the limited playing time, Collins led the Giants with five tackles. He admits he received some good-natured kidding for his high-octane performance.
“They were like, ‘Bro, what are you doing out there trying to hit people like that?’ ’’ Collins said. “That’s just my game. If they put their shoulders on me, I feel like I’m going to get hurt and I can’t let them just bully me. So at the same time, I just got to go full speed, it’s just my nature. I can’t see anything else other than doing that.’’
Ben McAdoo was able to get three of his quarterbacks into the 20-12 loss to the Steelers and said “ideally’’ he’d like to get all four on the field in this game. That could be diff icult, considering Eli Manning will play, and McAdoo needs to get a good look at Geno Smith and
Josh Johnson, as the No. 2 quarterback job is in flux, with rookie Davis Webb waiting in the wings at No. 3. Smith played better than Johnson in the preseason opener. … With LB
Keenan Robinson once again in the concussion protocol, rookie B.J. Goodson, the starting middle linebacker, has been given a chance to work in the sub-packages, as the coaching staff tries to determine if he will be an asset or liability in pass coverage. In a small sample size, McAdoo said of Goodson’s work: “That it’s not too big for him. He’s done a nice job.’’
Some players insist they look forward to taking that first contact in the preseason. Manning is not one of those players.
“You never look forward to a hit, I don’t think, but I think it is good to get it under your belt and know that it will be OK,’’ he said.
The Giants will get their first look at DE Myles Garrett, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft.
“Talented young player, very rangy, tremendous skill set,’’ McAdoo said. “First pick in the draft, that says a lot.’’