The New York Giants have spent the early part of the season trying to hold things together, and Jevon Holland has been the piece keeping the whole thing from slipping.
The former Oregon Ducks standout was named NFC Player of the Month on Thursday after a September that put him right at the center of everything New York needed from its defense. The NFL announced the monthly honors for both conferences, and Holland came away with the league’s NFC recognition.
That award fits the way Holland has opened the year. With Jaxson Dart and Brian Burns dealing with injuries, the Giants have been left to tread water, but Holland has helped keep them at 2-1. New York has leaned on a younger cornerback group, and Holland has been doing the heavy lifting behind them, cleaning up mistakes and making quarterbacks pay whenever they test him.
His September line tells the story: 12 total tackles, 7 solo tackles, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, 4 pass defenses, and 3 interceptions. For a Giants offense that has had a tougher time scoring because of Dart’s injury, Holland has been giving the team extra possessions and a real chance to stay in games.
It’s also the first Player of the Month honor of Holland’s career, which stands out because he still hasn’t collected a Pro Bowl or All-Pro nod. There’s reason to believe the fit in New York can keep paying off, too. Dennard Wilson’s defense suits Holland’s game, and if Wilson remains in place, Holland should keep building on this start.
The pressure was real when the Giants signed him to a 3-year deal worth $45.3 million last offseason. After a rough first season, Holland is winning over Giants fans now, especially after his game saving interception against the Titans. If he keeps playing at this level, he’ll put himself in position for Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition, and he’ll head into the final year of his contract with a lot more momentum than he had a month ago.
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