Pair of hits on ‘D’
“I’m ready to continue to keep making more plays,” Collins said. “That’s not just one thing I could do, one great thing I could do. I can do a lot more. Just try and change it up this weekend.”
He added: “You want to be known for miraculous plays.”
Collins believes the secondary, when totally healthy, can be “tremendous.”
Reese singled out Jenkins at least in part for these numbers — 10 passes defended (tops on the team), two interceptions (tied for most on the Giants) and 28 tackles. The unit’s health may be improving, too — safeties Nat Behre (concussion) and Darian Thompson (foot) both returned to practice Monday.
“We’re trying to get in that top-10 bracket,” Collins said. “After the Saints game, we went down because all our DB’s were going down and not getting that same excitement back there. Now, we’re getting them all back. It’s going to be very exciting this week.”
But there’s room for improvement, Collins acknowledged, particularly in one key area — third-down efficiency on defense, where the Giants are ranked 24th in the NFL. Giant opponents are converting 43.2% of their third downs. Miami (31.3%) is the best team in football in that category.
“We’re making it a key concept to get off the field on third downs,” Collins said. “We’re getting off the field, but we want to make it a point to get more ‘three and outs.’ Have their percentage be at least under 35 percent.” SABO/NEWS GETTY