JPP is Jason Pierre-Paul, but is JPP back?

Sep 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is brought down by New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

JPP Discussion

It’s that time at GMEN HQ. Time for Adam vs Will, in our Editor Reaction series.

The topic is a big one, literally. Today, we simply ask: Is Jason Pierre-Paul back?

Well, Mr. Adam Ganeles… is JPP back?

Adam: From a literal stand point — yes, JPP is back. However, back to what is the question… Jason Pierre-Paul really hasn’t been all that good since the Giants Super Bowl season in 2011. Sure, he has 1.5 sacks in three games and managed to get five tackles against last years’ worst team in football, but for me — please Mr. William Watts — explain how this is even a topic? It’s game three and the G-Men have one win.

Where in your mind does that equate to JPP being back?

Will: That’s why there is a discussion, Adam, to determine whether or not it’s even a topic. Recently, JPP himself said that he wanted a REPEAT on Twitter and posted a sack of a REDSKINS QB:

Now, Twitter pictures don’t mean anything, but the Giants did get their first win and JPP did at least get Giants 101 to say he’s back in this post titled, New York Giants Vs. Houston Texans: Week 3 Game Analysis by Dan Benton:

"Jason Pierre-Paul – JPP may not have registered a sack, but his dominance this year is not going to be measured by a single statistic. If there was any doubt lingering, it should be gone now: the old JPP is back. He’s commanding double- and triple-teams on nearly every single snap, but is still disrupting the passing game while also shutting down the run. And although he appeared injured in Sunday’s game, he says he fine and his play on the field reflects that."

All that said and thrown out there, the fact they said he wasn’t healthy and he says he’s fine, appears to be the on-going story/theme with JPP.

Adam: Exactly, JPP isn’t the same as he once was. Believing in yourself isn’t always 100% transferable with actual ability. For Jason Pierre-Paul, he can command all the double and triple teams he wants, heck he can post pictures of himself sacking every QB in the NFL. But… until he starts racking up sacks like it’s 2011, he’s simply not back. And I want to note that there’s a distinct difference between being back for JPP and playing well. The old JPP didn’t simply play well, he was one of the biggest game changers on the field. Until I see that guy, he’s just another NFL defensive guy struggling to hit QB’s.

Will: Adam, every year in the NFL sack masters emerge and others fall off. It’s not simply about racking up sack numbers, it’s about changing the game and against the Texans, JPP did that. Granted maybe he’s not an All-Pro, but it was impressive… right?

Adam: That wasn’t the question. JPP played well, no doubt. But you asked if he’s back. For me, Jason Pierre-Paul isn’t back until he turns into the monster that no NFL linemen can stop one-on-one. I haven’t witnessed “that guy” play in years, until I do, sadly he’s not back, he’s just serviceable. The Giants need better than serviceable and the fans deserve much better than average play.

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Will: Fair enough. Perhaps that JPP monster will come out this week against the Redskins?

Adam: Maybe, but even if JPP plays well, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s back. I want to see the return of 16.5 sacks JPP. Let me know when he has a multiple sack performance and then maybe we’ll pick this topic back up. Until then, understand Giants Nation, JPP isn’t back. He’s simply Jason Pierre-Paul, average defender on his way to above average.

Will: Great stuff, Adam. Jason Pierre-Paul still has a lot to prove in the eyes of New York Giants fans. Let’s see if he can make it happen this week against the Washington Redskins on Thursday Night Football.