Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul saw the additions that the team made to the defense in free agency and he’s heard the predictions of better results this season, but he said Thursday that he’s aware “we don’t know” what the unit will be at this point in time.
One thing that would help the unit achieve their goals would be a return to form from Pierre-Paul after he missed half of last season while recovering from the fireworks accident that mangled his right hand. Pierre-Paul had some good moments, but wearing a club on his right hand limited his ability to make plays when he got to the quarterback. He’s not wearing the club this year and says everything feels like it is back to normal on the field.
“My hand feels great,” Pierre-Paul said, via ESPN.com. “No complaining, no nothing. I’ve been training hard, been getting after it and getting ready to play some football. The club isn’t going to be an issue or anything. My right hand feels like my left hand. I don’t have to prove anything. It’s free will. I know I don’t need nothing to go out there to protect myself. I feel comfortable in using my hand and striking with it and hitting with it. I’m very excited to show people, ‘Hey, nothing has changed.’”
The Giants will be thrilled if that turns out to be the case because the pre-fireworks Pierre-Paul was an integral part of their defense for most of his first five seasons with the team.
