MVP: Landon Collins
As previously alluded to, Landon Collins had the highest Pro Football Focus rating of any player on the New York Giants. By going beyond the metrics and onto the field, however, one would have an even more difficult time disputing the belief that Collins was the Giants’ MVP.
The Giants lived and died by the strength and success of the defense, and no player was more important to the defense’s success than Collins.
The Giants ranked No. 2 in the NFL in points allowed per game and No. 26 in points scored per game. For even greater perspective: New York was 3-5 when it allowed at least 20 points and 8-0 when it held opponents below that number.
Despite being unable to generate consistent offense, the Giants still managed to win 11 games—and that’s almost entirely on the defense.
The embodiment of Collins’ MVP season can be found in the 17-10 win over the Los Angeles Rams. With New York entering the game at 3-3 and trailing 10-3 on the scoreboard, Collins returned an interception 44 yards for a touchdown.
As if that weren’t enough, Collins’ second interception of the game led to the Giants’ only offensive touchdown—the score that ultimately decided the outcome and halted a stretch of three losses in four games.
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It wasn’t just one game that made Collins the Giants’ MVP, but his showing against the Rams was the perfect display of his uncanny ability to step up in the most vital of moments.
Whether or not he wins NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Collins has created the pace for an all-time Giants career.