Catastrophic injuries depleted the New York Giants in 2015. Specifically, Jason Pierre-Paul and Victor Cruz, two of the brightest and most well-liked players on the team, were ravaged by career threatening injuries. This year, both return with an enhanced focus to make the most out of their time on the field.
Jason Pierre Paul and Victor Cruz are healed after a fireworks mishap and a horrific knee and calf injuries back-to-back. They still may not be fully integrated with their post-injury play. Cruz hadn’t played in almost 700 days. JPP is readjusting his entire life to become accustomed to living with a disfigured hand. Two of the best players on the Giants two short seasons ago were now two of the biggest question marks coming into the 2016 season.
But where uncertainty remains, optimism abounds. A pass rush with a less than two handed JPP and a passing attack with a less than 100 percent Victor Cruz still offer an improvement over the respective groups from last year.
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A Positive Start
With the conclusion of the week one game against the Dallas Cowboys, it is evident that both of these players are prime candidates for comeback player of the year. Cruz caught the game winning pass from Eli Manning. He exhibited the same limited space quickness, sure hands, and lateral mobility that made him a star for three seasons.
Yesterday, Pierre-Paul was disruptive and showed off a burst at the line of scrimmage on passing downs. He was stout in run support as well. His reconstructed hand aside, JPP may be the most dominant force on the defense not named Olivier Vernon.
Images of 2011
Thinking back, 2011 was a transcendent year for both Pierre-Paul and Cruz. Each became household names, not only because of their personalities but because of how they played the game.
These two players swung momentum in favor of the Giants that season. Their athleticism in space created mismatches all over the field, and even won games for the team. Both players allowed others around them to play above their ability, while also standing out themselves.
Betsided
POY in Waiting?
Thus far, both Pierre-Paul and Cruz have once again shown that ability. Whatever their current disabilities are, they in no way compare to the positive impact they have on the field. Their presence alone make other players better.
If their play continues, and the Giants can string together enough hard-fought wins, Big Blue might find themselves in possession of even more than a playoff berth this year: a Comeback Player of the Year.