How Jason Pierre-Paul’s Fourth of July Injury Will Affect the New York Giants’ Regular Season

Fourth of July is a cause for celebration; it was on that day that the United States became a free nation. But it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. Unfortunately, that someone happens to be a star defensive end for the New York Giants in Jason Pierre-Paul. Currently on the franchise tag, Pierre-Paul was in talks to receive a $60 million long-term contract with the Giants. How exactly will Pierre-Paul’s injury affect New York’s regular season wins total? And will it have any bearing on the star’s status as a free agent to be?

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Breaking Down Jason Pierre-Paul’s Injury With Regards to the New York Giants’ Early Regular Season Outlook

What Exactly Happened, and What it Means for JPP

Jason Pierre-Paul suffered severe burns on his palm and tips of three fingers after igniting fireworks on the fourth of July. While he won’t be losing any fingers, one finger is being tested for nerve damage. Thankfully, there will be no permanent damage or disfigurement of his hands. But he’ll miss training camp and likely a few regular season games.

[sc:NFL240banner ]Pierre-Paul is currently on the franchise tag of $14.8 million this season, which means he’ll lose more than $870,000 in salary per game thet he’ll miss. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Giants have also withdrawn their $60 million long-term contract offer to Pierre-Paul. Whether the pass rusher could regain the Giants’ trust when he takes the field remains to be seen.

Pierre-Paul was the New York Giants’ best pass rusher in the 2014 season. He led the team with 12.5 sacks, 89 yards lost on sack and three forced fumbles. It’s going to be very difficult to replace a game-changer like Pierre-Paul. His backup, Robert Ayers had just five sacks and one forced fumble last season.

What JPP’s Absence Means for the Giants’ Early Schedule

The Giants open their season with a Sunday Night Football road game against the Dallas Cowboys, who have an excellent offensive line and the Tony Romo-Dez Bryant connection. Missing Pierre-Paul in this series opener is a crucial blow to New York’s defense. Number 90 had one of his best games at Dallas last season, sacking Romo twice in a 31-21 loss.

Next up for the Giants will be a Week 2 home game against another pass-heavy team in the Atlanta Falcons. Despite going 6-10 in the regular season in 2014, the Falcons still managed to rank fifth in passing offense with 4,121 yards. Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan will be more than eager to throw bombs against a hampered New York pass rush.

Not having Pierre-Paul in both these contests may have the Giants face another 0-2 hole after the first two weeks of the season just like last year. But losing the first two games of the season may not make the Giants’ projected regular season wins total of 8.5 that much more unattainable. They’ll face some lowly teams in Washington, San Francisco, New Orleans and Tampa Bay along the way. The Giants are 11-5 in each of their last four matchups against those four teams combined.

And let’s not forget, the pairing of Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. will surely be alive and well to keep the Giants afloat on offense should Pierre-Paul’s absence on defense become too much of a liability.

Writer’s Prediction

Even with Pierre-Paul’s possible absence in the first few games of the season, the Giants should be able to see their regular season wins total go over 8.5. Pierre-Paul makes a successful return, and still earns a big-time contract from the Giants.
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