Giants: Collins Awarded NFC Defensive Player of the Month

(Photo via Giants.com)

Landon Collins’ breakout as one of the league’s best safeties has been awarded as the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Month for November.

During this month-long span, Collins had 30 total tackles (23 solo tackles), three interceptions, a sack, five passes defended, and one tackle for loss. Not only that, but the Giants were 4-0 during the month of December, and held opponents to 18 points per game, due to Collins’ play. Collins is also the first safety in Giants history to win Defensive Player of the Month.

“Landon Collins loves football,” said Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. “When you love something, you’re willing to do whatever it takes to get good at it.”

Collins’ explosive play has led the Giants to victory not only during the month of November, but throughout the teams six game winning streak. He, in fact, had game sealing interceptions against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Chicago Bears. Collins has emerged as one of the leaders on the defensive side of the ball.

“It’s becoming sound as a unit and becoming as one,” said Collins. “Just knowing everyone’s position and knowing where everyone is going to help at…We’re getting better as a defense, we definitely are.”

Not only has Collins received praised from his fellow teammates, but also from his upcoming opponent, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

“I think Landon is maybe defensive player of the year,” said Roethlisberger. “The way that he is playing football right now is awesome – interceptions, sacks, tackles, PBUs, all of those things. He is a guy that is a force to be reckoned with, especially as a second-year guy.”

This recognition did not go unnoticed, as Collins had nothing but respect for Roethlisberger.

“That’s an honor,” said Collins. To hear that from a two-time Super Bowl Champion is an honor.”

Collins is well deserving for this award because his play has been the difference maker for the Giants throughout their current winning streak. Not only is Collins a serious candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, but also for NFL MVP as well. If you compare his current stats to 2004 NFL MVP Ed Reed, Collins is well on his way to surpassing Reed’s stats. Look at the following between the two:

Ed Reed (2004): 76 tackles, 2 sacks, 9 INT, 1 TD, 8 Passes Defended
Landon Collins (2016): 87 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 INT, 1 TD, 10 Passes Defended

Based off the statistics, Collins has surpassed him in every category except interceptions. With the torrent pace Collins is playing at, he should be able to match and even surpass the number of interceptions Reed had. If that is the case, then Collins should be in serious consideration for NFL MVP.

Collins is going to be fun to watch, especially since we’re in the nitty gritty of the season, where the Giants have serious playoff implications for the remainder of the season. When watching the final five games of the Giants’ regular season, don’t forget to keep an eye on Collins.