It has not been a good season for New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo, but one of the biggest upsides to this point has been the success of Landon Collins.
From spurning Louisiana State University in the 2012 recruiting cycle – as he chose to sign with Alabama – to not being selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the third-year defensive back never shies away from stating his greatness as a leader on the field.
Even with one win through nine regular season games, Collins had a reason to smile as he guided the Giants defense into a matchup versus the high-powered Kansas City Chiefs at home.
Coming into Sunday’s game, the Chiefs ranked in the top-10 for total offense (3,346 yards, seventh), passing offense (2,296 yards, eighth), receiving (2,444 yards, ninth) and scoring offense (28.1 ppg, fifth). Under Collins’ watch, New York limited Kansas City to nine points and three third down conversions (11 tries) in a 12-9 overtime victory.
Collins, a Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection in 2016, assisted a group that generated three interceptions and a sack.
The former All-America recorded his second pick of the season, to pair with his game-high 15 tackles. Collins’ takeaway came off a trick play, where the Chiefs had tight end Travis Kelce throwing a deep pass.
WATCH: @TheHumble_21 picks off … Travis Kelce?! pic.twitter.com/8x8hkChkJ3
— New York Giants (@Giants) November 19, 2017
Eleven of his stops were solo, including a tackle for loss.
Earning a season-high in tackles is one thing; however, leading a struggling team to its second win of the year over a growing juggernaut is no small task.
Collins stands with the squad’s lead in both tackles (71) and interceptions (two), and expects to get a second call to the Pro Bowl.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
