Saints: Ranking the top pass rushers in the NFC South
By Jake Rajala
Jason Pierre-Paul
Jason Pierre Paul, also known as JPP, is an absolute monster at the defensive end position. Many people thought he destroyed his career with the gruesome 4th of July fireworks accident in 2015. The star player lost a couple of fingers, but he kept his value very high.
JPP has put together a fine couple of years in Tampa. He has 21 sacks in the last two seasons, and he just turned 31 in January.
JPP is one of the most underrated pass rushers in the league, especially with Shaq Barrett on the other side rushing the passer. JPP will only benefit from Shaq’s fame being accounted for. Teams won’t be able to double team the pass-rushing duo.
The most impressive part of his production last year is that he missed six games! 8.5 sacks in 10 games is very good. If JPP played a full season, he might have been 2nd to his teammate in the league-leading of sacks.
The Buccaneers offense could be even better in 2020, so expect JPP to have more pass-rushing opportunities when opposing teams are forced to pass the ball more to keep up with Tom Brady’s offense.
JPP and Shaq Barrett will be competing and pushing each other to bring out their best seasons and potentially crack 20 sacks.
Let’s take a look at who’s next on the pass-rushing list of NFC South defenders.