New York Giants 2017 Roster Preview: Defensive Linemen
By Sean Dyer
Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul
Olivier Vernon signed a five-year, $85 million megadeal with the New York Giants last offseason after four seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
Despite playing through a shattered hand, Vernon delivered 8.5 sacks and 63 total tackles.
According to Pro Football Focus, OV’s 86 total pressures ranked second in the league behind Khalil Mack. If Giants kept Vernon fresh, he may have been able to produce even more pressure. However, Vernon played more snaps (1,112) than any other edge rusher in the NFL.
Olivier Vernon can expect a lot of usage again in 2017 but hopefully, the Gmen can get some more production from their reserve pass rushers and be able to give Vernon a breather more often.
OV’s partner in crime is JPP.
Jason Pierre-Paul missed the last four games of the 2016 regular season with a sports hernia injury but still played more snaps than many 16-game starters.
When healthy, JPP rarely left the field and produced 53 total tackles, seven sacks, and three forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus also credits Pierre-Paul with 54 total QB pressures and the second most batted passes at the line of scrimmage in the league.
After Vernon got paid last year, this offseason was Pierre-Paul’s turn. JPP signed a four-year, $62 million contract extension with the New York Giants, locking the defensive end tandem up for the foreseeable future.
When both pass rushers are on the field, it becomes very difficult for opposing offensive lines to keep pressure off of their quarterbacks.