Landon Collins, Damon Harrison selected to PFWA All-NFL team

New York Giants’ safety Landon Collins and defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison were named to the Pro Football Writers of America’s 2016 All-NFL team Monday. Odell Beckham Jr. (WR), Janoris Jenkins (CB) and Dwayne Harris (ST) also earned PFWA All-NFC honors for the 11-5 Giants.

Harrison’s impact for Big Blue was undeniable. He led all DT’s with 49 run stops and improved the Giants’ run defense from 24th in the league (121.4 yards per game) without him in 2015, to tied for third (88.6 ypg) last season. “Snacks” also earned AP All-Pro first-team honors but, inexplicably, did not make the Pro Bowl.

Sophomore standout Collins had a season for the ages. He became the first safety to record 100+ tackles, 5+ interceptions — one of which he returned for a touchdown — and 3+ sacks since ex-San Diego Charger and New England Patriot Rodney Harrison did it in 2000. He finished the year as Pro Football Focus’ third-highest rated safety (92.1) and is in the conversations of many for Defensive Player of the Year.

All-NFC

Beckham wasn’t at his best in the Giants’ playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers, but All-NFC honors are earned over the regular season and OBJ was, mostly, spectacular in year three. Beckham finished 2016 third in the NFL in receptions (101) and yards (1,367), fifth in touchdowns (10) and tied for first in 40+ yard receptions (6).

Jenkins was the Giants’ best cover-corner, which is high praise with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie on the other side. DRC led Big Blue with six interceptions, but it was Jenkins who took on opponent’s number one receiving options’ each week and usually won. In three games against Antonio Brown and Dez Bryant (twice), Jenkins allowed eight receptions on 21 targets (38 percent success rate) for 72 yards (9.0 ypc), one TD, forced a fumble and had an interception.

Harris earned All-NFC honors for his contributions on special teams. He didn’t have his best season as a kick returner, often fielding balls in heavy traffic and deep in his own territory, but Harris excelled on kick coverage. He was also named to his first Pro Bowl late last month.