Is Patriots defense better off without Jamie Collins?
The script now seems so familiar as to qualify as formulaic: The Patriots trade a key team member. Controversy ensues. Early evidence highlights the absence of said player, further stoking controversy. The performance of the unit stabilizes, rendering the once-controversial roster decision something of an afterthought.
This year’s episode of that drama focused on Jamie Collins, the linebacker with athletic superpowers. When the Patriots — then in possession of a 7-1 record — elected to deal him to Cleveland during the bye week, the decision proved vexing to many, and New England’s 31-24 loss in the first game without Collins did little to answer questions raised by the deal.
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