JPP takes on Roethlisberger for first time
Posted by on October 31, 2012 – 4:33 pm
As a Florida native, Jason Pierre-Paul was no stranger to preparing for hurricanes like Sandy. The defensive end now sets his sights on a less familiar foe – Big Ben Roethlisberger.
Because of the NFL’s scheduling formula, the Pittsburgh Steelers and their quarterback land on the Giants’ slate once every four seasons. Pierre-Paul, drafted in 2010, has yet to play in the series that dates back to 1933.
That is, until now.
He’ll play in his first regular-season game against the Steelers this Sunday in MetLife Stadium. The Steelers enter Week 9 having allowed 14 sacks, and given Pierre-Paul’s recent exploits, he’d be curious to know how Roethlisberger has thrown just three interceptions. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has turned the ball over a league-low six times this season.
Working back into a (relatively) normal routine on Wednesday, the preparation has begun.
“We’ve got to get in and get back to work. It’s not going to affect us at all,” Pierre-Paul said of the hurricane and its aftermath. “Everybody knows we’ve got to hold each other accountable for what we do in this locker room and on the field. And we’re going to get the job done.
“[Coach Tom Coughlin] is going to do a great job of keeping us focused on what’s at stake. He’s going to come in, but it’s all on players, too. We’re going to come in and do what we have to do.”
Pierre-Paul did what he had to do and more last Sunday. He notched four tackles and upped his sack total to 5.5 with a takedown of Tony Romo. But his highlight came on a 28-yard interception returned for a touchdown against Dallas.
“Well, I worked on it with him for his hand placement exactly where it should be,” Coughlin joked on Monday, raising his hands above his head to mimic the play.
Meanwhile, the Giants have risen to a tie for seventh in the NFL with 21 sacks.
“It’s getting better, no question,” Coughlin said about the defensive line and the rush. “It’s definitely improved over the last three or four weeks.”
Tags: Jason Pierre-Paul
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- Nov 1, 2012: JPP takes on Roethlisberger for first time | Big Blue United
By Trevot on Oct 31, 2012 | Reply
JPP please lay hands on Big Ben!
By fredsfocus on Oct 31, 2012 | Reply
Lots of defensive players “lay hands on” Big Ben, but what we need (no injury references inherent therein) is one or more of the Gaints’ players to lay him out.
By Aggitta on Nov 1, 2012 | Reply
No “Bounty” just good hard Football that’s all a Giants fan can ask for. I look at this game as a crossroad to the rest of the season. There are no “moral” victories, just victories. After all “The Tuna” said you are as good as your your record says you are. It’s time to make a statement. Go Ciants…