Collins, Snacks named All-Pro
The recognition keeps pouring in for the Giants defense. Defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison and strong safety Landon Collins were both named to the Associated Press All-Pro First Team Friday, two days ahead of Big Blue’s opening-round playoff matchup at the Packers.
“It’s a great individual honor. It’s great for them and their teammates,” Ben McAdoo said. “It’s exciting to see.”
In his second season, Collins has emerged as one of the best safeties in the league. He led the Giants in tackles with 125 and finished second on the team in interceptions with five. He returned one of those picks 44 yards for a touchdown in a win over the Rams in London. Collins also racked up four sacks, third on the Giants behind defensive ends Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul.
“It’s outstanding. It’s phenomenal. I wouldn’t expect this to happen until my third or fourth year,” said Collins, who also qualified for the Pro Bowl. “It’s mind-blowing to be doing this in my second year.”
Harrison joined the Giants as a free agent after spending his first three NFL seasons with the Jets. He signed a five-year, $46.25 million deal in March and has lived up to the lucrative contract by cementing his standing as an elite run-stuffer. He posted career highs in tackles (86) and sacks (2.5) in 2016.
Despite his standout season, Harrison was passed over for the Pro Bowl. It was largely viewed as a snub, and his All-Pro selection further proves that sentiment.
Cornerback Janoris Jenkins, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Vernon earned second-team All-Pro honors.
TERRIFIC TOM
Never forget Tom Coughlin’s best soundbite during the coldest game in Giants history, a 23-20 overtime Giants win in the NFC Championship at Green Bay Jan. 20, 2008, on their way to winning Super Bowl XLII.
One week after Big Blue ruined the New England Patriots’ perfect season, HBO’s ‘Inside the NFL’ aired a priceless Super Bowl pre-game exchange between referee Mike Carey and Coughlin — who had come under fire after the previous 8-8 season.
“How was the frostbite (in Green Bay)?" Carey asked. “That was pretty cold, wasn’t it?”
Coughlin’s response: “At least they’re talking about my face this year. Last year it was my a--.”
THANKS, AARON
Calling Aaron Wellman’s hiring as the Giants’ new strength and conditioning coach successful would be an understatement. A team riddled with injuries for years at the end of Tom Coughlin’s tenure has one player listed as definitely out for Sunday’s Wild Card game: Pierre-Paul (core muscle surgery).
Pierre-Paul is expected to be out until at least the NFC Championship Game, but he was hanging around practice earlier this week and could return sooner if the Giants advance.