Special teams accounted for all 21 points between both teams Thursday night, but Giants’ safety Landon Collins was exceptional on defense. The former Alabama defensive back chimed in with four tackles, including two solo stops and a pass breakup. Four field goals from placekicker Chris Boswell was all New York needed to put away the Patriots by a score of 12-9.

Collins was selected in the second round (33rd overall pick) of the 2015 NFL Draft.

He was exceptional against the pass and in run support at Alabama (2012-14), recording 159 career tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions and three forced fumbles.

Collins was a two-time Southeastern Conference champion (2012, 2014) and a national champion at Alabama in 2012.

Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.

Stephen M. Smith

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.