There are safers who are larger, faster, hit harder, and make more impactful plays. When it comes to wrapping up the ball carrier and bringing him to the ground, Julian Love has no competition at his position.
“I appreciate that,” said Love. “I take pride in it.”
What Love excels at most is making the tackle. This season, he has been on the field for 754 defensive snaps, and he has missed three tackles. Throughout his first three seasons with the Giants, Love missed only 13 tackles. His number of snaps increased in 2022, while his missed tackles decreased.
Love stated, “I always say I take pride in my tackling, and I take it seriously.” “I attribute it to constantly playing pickup baseball as a child. Essentially, you must be an excellent tackler. If you were not, the neighborhood viewed you as a coward. I therefore took it seriously. I put effort on it. I work diligently at it.
Earlier in the season, Giants defender Julian Love tackles Cowboys running back Cee Dee Lamb during a game against the Cowboys.
AP
Love’s importance to the Giants has increased since Xavier McKinney was sidelined during the bye week with fractured fingers on his left hand. Love played so many snaps in last week’s 20-20 tie with the Commanders (105, including special teams) that coach Brian Daboll gave him a “vet day” on Wednesday. He withheld Love from practice because she deserved further rest.
Love must protect the back end of the defense against an Eagles offense equally good at passing and running for yards and points on Sunday. Again, secure tackling will be required. Love, a Notre Dame product selected in the fifth round of the 2019 draft, must regain composure, as he has so often this season.
“As a cornerback in college, I was probably the most effective player on my squad,” said Love. It pertains to high school. I believe it boils down to having no fear of being physical. Also, despite my appearance, I possess considerable strength. I really go for it in the weight room, so I can fool people with what I bring to the table in terms of tackles.
»Giants’ Julian Love on his tackling machine: “I am proud of it.”«