Two Louisiana natives got into a scuffle on social media this week about which one is the best player in the National Football League. While Arizona Cardinals’ safety Tyrann Mathieu has yet to suit up for preseason, New York Giants defender Landon Collins is fresh off a Pro Bowl appearance, an All-Pro selection and seems like he’s trending toward more success.
After leading the Giants in tackles (126) and being among the leaders in sacks, tackles for loss and interceptions last season, Collins opened his third year of action tying a team-high in tackles with five. Despite falling 20-12 to Pittsburg, Collins helped the Giants force two interceptions off rookie quarterback Josh Dobbs and shut the Steelers off the scoreboard in the first quarter.
The 6-foot, 218-pounder was a pivotal factor in New York winning seven of last nine regular season games (4-3 start) to enter the playoffs at 11-5.
Collins turned in team-highs in tackles against Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Chicago, while collecting three picks in the second half of the 2016 campaign.
His performances during the last nine games aided the Giants to improve from allowing 20.1 points to 16 points a contest.
Before getting selected in the second round to New York, Collins was a five-star recruit, All-American, two-time Southeastern Conference champion and a BCS national champion (2012) in his time at the University of Alabama.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
