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New York Giants star defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is undergoing back surgery this morning, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported this morning.
Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul is undergoing back surgery this morning in LA with Dr. Watkins. Belief is he should be ready for September.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 4, 2013
That is stunningly bad news for the Giants. The 24-year-old Pierre-Paul has made two Pro Bowls and been named All-Pro once in his three seasons in the NFL and is clearly the team's best defensive player. Adam Schein of NFL.com recently named Pierre-Paul one of the most indespensable defensive players in the league. He wrote:
Actually, you can make the case that the Giants witnessed life without JPP in 2012, as he took a step back in Year 3. And this resulted in the reigning Super Bowl champions missing the playoffs altogether.
Perry Fewell's defense is built around a dominant pass rush. The Giants' linebacker corps is suspect. The defensive backfield struggled mightily last year.
In 2011, Pierre-Paul racked up 16.5 sacks and the Giants won the Super Bowl. Last year, he was stuck in the mud, underachieving with 6.5 sacks, and the Giants were done in December. JPP is everything for the Big Blue defense.
Now the Giants may really have to witness life without their best defensive player.
More on this as details emerge.