Collins a Competent Replacement for Melton

Patrick Finley at the Chicago Sun-Times gives the Bears statistics at defensive tackle:

Through three games, Melton’s grade of -6.4 was the lowest of any defensive tackle in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. Collins pressured the quarterback twice as often as Melton. PFF said Collins played the run better, too.

I’m not surprised. Collins has looked noticeably better through the first three games with Melton, to put it generously, knocking off some rust after missing the offseason. In fact, the first play after Melton left the game last Sunday, Collins came in fresh and penetrated into the backfield to cause some disruption. It mad eke wonder at the time if the Bears shouldn’t be rotating more frequently along the line to keep everyone fresh.

Regardless, with more opportunities to play, I’m going to go ahead and stick my neck out by saying the Bears might be better with Collins in the game over Melton. I’m not sure that holds up long term but based upon what I saw the first three games, I’m reasonably confident that Collins is going to be an improvement.