Julian Love started his first career NFL game Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Love had been replacing Jabrill Peppers in the secondary who was battling an injury. He followed up his first career inception a week ago by making several key plays in his first career start.
The New York Giants had Love taking snaps and learning to become a safety at training camp during the summer. Love had played cornerback at Notre Dame where he flashed his skills, intriguing the Giants to snag him in the fourth round of April’s draft. Coming in at 5’ 11†and 195 lbs, the Giants have been able to line him up all over the field.
Love has earned 80+ grades these past two weeks from Pro Football Focus. In fact, he had the highest grade against the Packers with an 83.7. He has appeared to be a bright spot these past two games. Love played 65 snaps against Green Bay earning seven tackles and a forced fumble. Love’s forced fumble came on an impressive play where he had come behind Packers WR Davante Adams and punched the ball out. Love also looked great with his tackling skills. He made a big tackle against Packers RB Jamaal Williams on a 3rd & 13 during the third quarter to prevent a first down.
The Giants have already found one solid young piece in their secondary with Jabrill Peppers, and they may have just found their second with Julian Love. Love will likely continue to start if Jabrill Peppers in unable to play. Giants fans are hoping to see him continue to play well and play in New York for a long time.