Bills vs. Giants: Jason Pierre-Paul Is Maturing into a Legitimate Playmaker

Second-year defensive end Jason-Pierre Paul is quickly developing into a dangerous playmaker for the Giants defense.

In the 27-24 victory over the resolute Buffalo Bills, Pierre-Paul utilized his versatile skill set to fill the hybrid role along the Giants front four, in the absence of the outstanding Justin Tuck. 

Pierre-Paul notched a sack and batted away a pass, adding to an impressive collection of statistics for his sophomore campaign.

In the first six games, Pierre-Paul has registered 24 tackles, matching his entire total for his rookie season.

The former South Florida standout has also defensed four passes and forced a fumble.  Most importantly, Pierre-Paul is developing a niche as a threatening edge rusher.

He has recorded 7.5 sacks and is using his range and athleticism to terrorize the pocket on almost every down.

His quick takeoff and deceptive upper body strength allow Pierre-Paul to slide inside in certain packages and he is becoming a force whenever he mans the 3-technique spot.

Against the Bills he frequently moved inside in nickel and dime situations and capably manned the nose tackle position in three man fronts.

Pierre-Paul's speed and power proved too much for the Bills front five and he remained a constant threat.

The promising youngster is still guilty of the odd mental mistake, like a costly offsides penalty that kept a critical Bills drive alive.

But as he continues to learn, Pierre-Paul can add savvy to his tremendous physical gifts.  Offensive blocking schemes can no longer afford not to pay him special attention.

When Tuck returns from injury, it will be an offensive coordinator's nightmare deciding which way to slide the protection.

Given Pierre-Paul's rapid development and the issues at defensive tackle, it might be time to move Tuck back inside and put Mathias Kiwanuka back at defensive end.

Pierre-Paul's dynamic athleticism provides the Giants defensive schemes with plenty of flexibility.  Perry Fewell must continue to find ways to create favorable matchups for the talented young pass rusher.

If he can, then Pierre-Paul will produce a monster second-year and could be the defensive catalyst behind a return to the Postseason for Big Blue.