Jason Pierre-Paul is no longer the freakish athlete with the big upside. The second-year defensive end's days of impressing his New York Giants teammates with his athleticism are over.
What stands out for the rest of the Giants these days — more than his one-handed catches in practice while laterally jumping over rectangular foam obstacles — is what the 23-year-old Pierre-Paul is doing on the field.
Jason Pierre-Paul makes his second season special
Not only is he the best player on the Giants' defense, he is now among the best in the NFL.
Doubt it? How's this for a list of honors: Pro Bowl. All-Pro. Two NFC defensive player of the week awards. Conference player of the month in December.
Not enough? How about his game-saving block of Dan Bailey's 47-yard field goal attempt in the most important game of the season at Dallas in early December when the postseason was on the line? Then there's his 16 1/2 sacks — the fourth-highest total in Giants history — to go with 23 tackles for losses and 29 quarterback hits.
So if you are wondering who will make a game-changing play in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, find No. 90 in the white uniform next weekend in Indianapolis because chances are he'll be the one making the play.
