The Giants had four players named to the NFC roster for the Pro Bowl this year in Orlando, including two who were key members of the resurgent defense.
Second-year safety Landon Collins and cornerback Janoris Jenkins are the first pair to represent the Giants secondary in the game since 1963 when Erich Barnes and Dick Lynch were selected. They’re joined on the team by Odell Beckham Jr., who notched his third selection in three years, along with special teamer Dwayne Harris.
Collins and Jenkins are both big reasons why the Giants are 10-4 and on the verge of the postseason.
“It took me a while to get here,” said Jenkins, a five-year veteran. “I’m very thankful for everyone who voted and I’m just excited. The Pro Bowl was a goal of mine coming in and I just want to thank everybody for playing around me, elevating my game and making me play harder. I thought one day [it would happen]. I didn’t know what day it was going to be. I am glad that it finally came, and I am truly blessed.”
Collins, too, said he had a goal of being a Pro Bowler. That it came in his second season, he said, is still a bit of a surprise.
“I didn’t think it was going to come this soon,” he said. “It’s a milestone and I’ve got to put another one on top of that now. I have been on top of my craft, and what I have to do is keep paying attention to my details, and doing my job and my job-plus.”
Jenkins has 48 tackles (43 solo), three interceptions, and is tied with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie with a team-high 17 passes defensed. Collins leads the Giants with 108 tackles (87 solo) and five interceptions. He also has 3.0 sacks. He is the first NFL safety with 100 or more tackles, at least five interceptions, and at least 3.0 sacks in a season since Rodney Harrison in 2000. He is the first Giants player with at least five interceptions and 3.0 sacks since Jason Sehorn in 1996.
Harris made the team not only for his play as a return man but for leading the Giants in special teams tackles.
“I’ve been working for this for so long,” Harris said. “I just feel like every year, something happens where I couldn’t get in, especially all the good years I’ve had. I just feel like one person has always gotten in front of me. But to get my first one feels amazing. It’s great. It’s one thing that I have been working on since I came into the league and the guys around me who helped me get to it, I put it up for them.”
Beckham is tied for third in the NFL with 85 receptions and 10 touchdown catches, and is fourth with 1,173 yards. He is the first Giants player to be voted to three consecutive Pro Bowls since guard Chris Snee from 2008-10. Beckham is the first Giants wide receiver chosen three years in a row since Del Shofner from 1961-63.
He’s hoping, however, that he won’t be able to play in this year’s game in Orlando on Jan. 29.
“I definitely had fun at the Pro Bowl,” Beckham said of his past two experiences. “I love it. But I would much rather be playing in the Super Bowl than the Pro Bowl.”
..... - Newsday