JPP: “We’re Going To Have To Take It Over”

Jason Pierre-Paul spoke about the impact the defensive line has to have

For a defensive line that is struggling - and has been for most of the season - one of the few bright spots has been Jason Pierre-Paul. Pierre-Paul is merely two sacks away from being the first Buccaneers player to have double digit sacks since Simeon Rice and he’s only played half of a season.

For JPP, however, you can see the frustration mounting. This team is under performing for the talent they have and getting to the quarterback is still a major issue.

When JPP spoke to the media Thursday, he laid it all out there. The success falls on the shoulders of the defensive line and they have to be better;

“It has to start up front. I think it’s going to be up to the D-line and Coach Buck (Buckner) always says, it’s up to the D-line that we’re going to have to take it over from here, and I believe so. It always started with the D-line with the great wins in the Super Bowls and the playoff runs – we had the D-line going. I think for future reference you’re going to see us getting after it. We run to the ball in practice and just trying to do the extra stuff to get guys going. I’ll say, man, I’m always out there on Sunday, and whatever comes, comes.”

For a defense that is 30th in the NFL in pressures - getting pressure on the quarterback on only 23.4% of dropbacks - this defensive line is far from what was expected heading into the season. If anyone can get them performing better, it’s JPP - but the guy can’t do everything on his own.

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