Buccaneers vs Giants: Five game-changing players for Week 4
By Bailey Adams
Landon Collins
The Giants have forced just two turnovers this season, and it should be no surprise that one of them came from safety Landon Collins. The former Alabama standout also leads the team in tackles with 22 (16 solo). The New York defense isn’t usually anything special, but Collins is definitely someone worth watching. With the way the run game is going for Tampa Bay, we may see a lot of Jameis Winston and the passing attack. If that’s the case, keep an eye on Collins at safety.
In 2016, the Giants were kings of stopping the run. They ranked in the top five for rushing yards allowed per game. However, that hasn’t been the case this year. New York ranks dead last in that category through three games, allowing 125-plus yards on the ground in each of its three games. With that being a weakness for the defense, the play of the secondary becomes even more crucial. Collins is a playmaker in that level of the defense that will have to be on his game.
The third-year safety finished with five interceptions in 2016, so we know he has the ability to take the ball away. And with Winston’s tendency to force some throws, he is a dangerous player in that secondary. If Winston can’t look him off or if he forces something his way, Collins could potentially have a game-changing play or two.