Giants’ Collins dooms Rams with two INTs in London clash

LONDON — Safety Landon Collins haunted the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, pulling in a pair of crucial interceptions ( including a spectacular pick six) to give the New York Giants a 17- 10 victory at Twickenham Stadium.

In a game filled with stagnant offense, Collins was the difference maker. Midway through the first half, he snatched a Case Keenum pass that bounced off receiver Tavon Austin and took it to the house, via a long and thrilling dance through several would- be Rams tacklers.

In the fourth quarter, with the teams locked at 10- 10 — neither Keenum nor Giants quarterback Eli Manning were able to gain any traction — Collins struck again. Another Keenum pass popped into the air, and Collins pounced. Given a short field to work with, Manning marched the Giants down the field before Rashad Jennings crossed for the go- ahead touchdown.

That gave New York ( 4- 3) a lead it would never relinquish, while the positive start made by the Rams is now a distant memory after three consecutive defeats.

Things had begun relatively well for L. A. at the home of world rugby, the first time the NFL had ventured to this picturesque venue in west London following several excursions to Wembley Stadum.

Tight end Larry Donnell coughed the ball up on the Giants’ opening possession, and Keenum hit Austin for a 10- yard touchdown soon after. A Greg Zuerlein field goal added to L. A.’ s advantage before new Giants kicker Robbie Gould responded .

Then the Collins show began, and it tilted the afternoon in favor of New York, providing a welcome victory at the end of a week marred by controversy of the team’s handling of the Josh Brown domestic violence saga.

Keenum had two chances to move the Rams down the field in the closing minutes, but threw two more interceptions, both to cornerback Dominique RodgersCromartie. The final blow was es- pecially demoralizing for Keenum and Rams head coach Jeff Fisher, coming as a result of a mix- up between the quarterback and intended receiver Brian Quick, a pass Rodgers- Cromartie caught unchallenged in the end zone.

STEVE FLYNN, USA TODAY SPORTS Giants strong safety Landon Collins ( 21) returns an interception for a touchdown during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium.