Training camp is drawing near and the worst time of the year is slowly coming to an end. With the New York Giants ready to embark on another hopeful run toward the Lombardi Trophy, I will analyze the team and present my top 10 players on the Giants’ roster. Rookies have been excluded as they bear no body of work yet in the NFL.
No. 2: Jason Pierre-Paul
Position: DE
Age: 24
Seasons with the Giants: Four (drafted in 2010)
2012 in Review: Jason Pierre-Paul placed himself among the best pass rushers in the NFL following a 2011 campaign that saw him tally 16 1/2 sacks. The 24-year-old took a step back in 2012, recording just 6 1/2 sacks, but saw much more focus from opposing offenses with the rapid decline of fellow defensive ends Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora’s production.
Though there was a dip in sack production, Pierre-Paul was actually a dominant force in all facets of the game. He showcased some impressive versatility (many in his skill position are merely one-trick ponies) and, per Pro Football Focus, notched a run-stop percentage of 9.0 — which was best in the league amongst defensive ends. Surprisingly, his pass-rushing productivity actually improved from 2011 despite the decrease in sacks.
It’s since been learned that the former first-round pick had a herniated disk in his back that hampered his performance on the field. The Giants and JPP are hopeful that offseason surgery has resolved those problems.
Outlook for 2013: No defensive player’s presence may have had as big an impact on the Giants’ season as the star pass rusher. However, it is not certain that he will be ready to go once the regular season gets underway and, even if he is, there is no way to know at what level of health he will return to the G-Men. Back injuries can be tricky. Sometimes they can linger forever and the effect the injury may have on JPP’s play could be everlasting. This is an unnerving thought for such a bright, young talent.
The Giants are optimistic that he’ll be ready to go for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. If Pierre-Paul is completely healed and able to return to his 2011 form, opposing teams had better watch out. If he can’t, the Giants’ defense could be in serious jeopardy. Without JPP, the defense is without a viable pass-rushing threat and that will only further expose an underwhelming secondary unit.
Certainly, his presence will not necessarily elevate the Giants’ defense to the top of the NFL, but their outlook without him is not promising.
Louis Musto is a reporter and sports talk host for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. He is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.