New York Giants: 2016 Player Of The Year Awards

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Nov 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Landon Collins (21) reacts after stopping the Philadelphia Eagles on fourth down during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Player of the Year: Landon Collins

The New York Giants were one of the most dominant defensive teams in the NFL during the 2016 regular season. They held every opponent they faced below 30 points and kept eight teams below 20 points.

Easily the most exceptional player on the Giants’ defense was second-year strong safety and First-Team All-Pro Landon Collins.

Collins finished the 2016 with 125 tackles, including 100 solo, as well as 4.0 sacks, five interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a defensive touchdown. That alone is reason to believe that he’s one of the best defensive players in the NFL.

The fact that he’s the first player in NFL history to record at least 100 tackles, 4.0 sacks, and five interceptions offers validation for that belief.

Collins narrowly edged out cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie for the highest Pro Football Focus rating amongst Giants players. Janoris Jenkins, Damon Harrison, and Olivier Vernon also deserve to be praised for their exceptional seasons.

Between his individual production and the impact he had on the Giants’ resurgent defense, one could easily argue that Collins deserves NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors, as well.

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