Landon Collins again named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

New York Giants’ safety Landon Collins has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive game.

Collins had 12 tackles, a sack and an interception in Sunday’s 28-23 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Two weeks ago against the Los Angeles Rams, Collins had two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, and eight tackles in a victory over the Los Angeles Rams. The Giants had their bye week in between those games.

The second-year player from Alabama leads the Giants in tackles, sacks and interceptions. He is the only player in the NFL to lead his team in all three categories.

Defensive captain Jonathan Casillas lauded Collins’ play after Sunday’s victory:

“Landon’s having one of the best years I’ve probably ever seen from a safety,” Casillas said.

After struggling during his rookie season, Collins dropped from 230 to 216 pounds. That, plus his year of experience, has made a drastic difference in his play.

Collins is the first Giants defensive player to win two player of the week awards in a season since safety Stevie Brown in 2012. Quarterback Eli Manning won the offensive award twice last season.

This is the fourth player of the week award won by the Giants this season. Janoris Jenkins won the special teams award in a Week 2 victory against New Orleans, and Odell Beckham, Jr. earned the Offensive Player of the Week Award in a Week 6 victory over Baltimore.