4 biggest takeaways for the Buccaneers after statement win
By Rob Leeds
The Giants never should’ve traded Jason Pierre-Paul
Trading Jason Pierre-Paul for a third-round pick could be one of the worst moves the Giants have made in a long time. JPP clearly had gas left in the tank when he departed, and he is still playing at that level in Tampa Bay.
Pierre-Paul has experienced a resurgence in Tampa Bay, with three of his best seasons coming in the pewter and red.
JPP currently leads the Buccaneers in sacks with 5.5, and he has also posted two tackles for loss and seven quarterback hits, which means more sacks could follow. Even with Shaquil Barrett coming off of a career year for the Bucs, Pierre-Paul is playing at an elite level and looks like the best pass-rusher on the roster.
The duo of Barrett and JPP is dominating the NFL, and teams will struggle between deciding to shut down either one, with the remainder freed up to take an easier matchup to the quarterback.
Pierre-Paul has transitioned to an outside linebacker like a fish to water, and the Buccaneer pass rush will remain extremely potent for as long as he remains on the roster. On top of the skills as a player, JPP has become a pivotal leader on the defense, making his arrival in Tampa Bay even better and the trade for the Giants even worse.