Jason Pierre-Paul believes he will return to form in 2016.
The New York Giants' pass rusher said Tuesday in a conference call with reporters that he won't use a club after undergoing further surgery on his hand, which he famously injured during a fireworks accident last Fourth of July.
"I'm capable of closing and gripping ... it turned out really well," JPP said, via The Record's Art Stapleton.
Pierre-Paul added: "My hand is perfectly fine," per The Post.
Closing and gripping will be the key after JPP missed several sure tackles in his eight games last season.
The pass rusher said he plans to be with the team from the start of the offseason program in April and should be fine to play all 16 games in 2016.
The Giants are counting on JPP to return to his double-digit sack form, before the freak accident mangled his hand. The 27-year-old highlights a revamped, star-studded defensive line that includes Olivier Vernon and Damon Harrison. Pierre-Paul signed a one-year deal in New York that can be worth up to $10.5 million.
Playing without the bulky club on his hand should allow the defensive end to wrap up better, after he had just one sack last season. At least the Giants hope playing without a cast helps.
JPP showed he could still get pressure even with the harmed hand -- 34 quarterback hurries in 511 snaps. But Big Blue needs the Pierre-Paul who takes down the quarterback, not the one who just get in his face.
