Where's The Love For Nick Collins Of The Green Bay Packers?

Nick Collins, the Green Bay Packers' starting Free Safety has been one of the best safeties in the NFL for the past two years yet receives little credit for what he has been able to accomplish.  The two time NFC representative at the Pro Bowl has comparable (and in many cases superior) stats to the superstars at his position yet receives little love from the national media. 

Over the last two seasons, Collins, has recorded 28 passes defended over that same period of time, Ed Reed, of the Baltimore Ravens has 21 passes defended.  Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers has 24 passes defended and Darren Sharper (who spent the 2008 season with the Minnesota Vikings before signing with the New Orleans Saints in free agency) has 20 passes defended.

In the 2008 and 2009 seasons, Collins also created turnovers.  Over the past two seasons, Collins, has 13 interceptions returned for a total of 405 yards (an average of 31 yards per INT) and has scored 3 touchdowns.  Over the same period of time, Ed Reed has 12 interceptions returned for 375 yards (an average of 31 yards) and scored 3 touchdowns.  Troy Polamalu has 10 interceptions returned for 76 yards (an average of 7.6) and 0 touchdowns.  Darren Sharper has 10 interceptions for 388 return yards (averaging 38) with 3 touchdowns. 

All players have sustained injuries over the last two season and missed games due to injury can impact the stats produced by a player.  However, part of being a great player is the ability to remain healthy and continuing to produce.

Over the past two seasons no safety in the NFL has been as good as Nick Collins - it is time to start giving the man some love.