The New York Giants are trending upward after a shaky start to the 2020 NFL season. New York has won three of its last five games, led by its stout defense that ranks tied-eleventh in the NFL in total sacks (25). Patrick Graham and the Giants’ defense has been a consistent strong point for the team this season.
One of the reasons for the Giants’ defensive success has been their defensive line. New York possesses one of the best young defensive lines in the NFL. Dalvin Tomlinson, Dexter Lawrence, and Leonard Williams make up a beastly front trio for the Giants’ defense.
This year, though, the Giants have had one of their defensive linemen emerge and establish himself as one of the best in the game. Leonard Williams has had a breakout season in his second year with the New York Giants and is playing at a Pro Bowl level.
Leonard Williams Stats and Highlights
Former New York Jets defensive lineman Leonard Williams could be playing his way to his second career Pro Bowl appearance. Of course, the Pro Bowl is happening in some virtual format this year, but players will still be honored for their special seasons by being selected to Pro Bowl teams.
In 2016, Leonard Williams made the Pro Bowl as a member of the New York Jets. This was Williams’s second season in the NFL. That season, Williams recorded 7 total sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 19 quarterback hits. Williams is on pace to beat each one of those marks this season.
Through 10 games in 2020, Williams already has 5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, and 16 quarterback hits on the season. Williams is on pace to crush his career-high statistics this year. He has had an absolute breakout season in Patrick Graham’s defensive scheme after a highly-disappointing 2019 season.
Last year, Williams was only able to manage 0.5 sack on the season. He failed to get home and bring down opposing quarterbacks, despite generating a high number of pressures. This year, though, Williams has turned those pressures into sacks at a higher rate and the Giants’ defense has benefited from this.
This will be a career year for Leonard Williams if he continues to play at this level. Playing on a franchise tag this season, Williams is in line for a lucrative contract extension this upcoming offseason. He seems to have earned one so far this season.