Jason Pierre-Paul made a game-saving play that sealed the win against the Packers, the sort of play and highlight that is not soon forgotten. That play provided the impetus for Pierre-Paul being named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
With 10:49 remaining and the Giants clinging to a 20-13 lead Sunday, with the momentum having turned to the Packers, Pierre-Paul made sure the home team remained a safe distance in front. In the huddle, he told his teammates with the Packers on the Giants 30-yard line to start a series that he was going to intercept Scott Tolzien’s pass. A moment later, he did, leaping and getting both arms up to snatch the ball out of the air. Once he caught it, he was gone, racing 24 yards untouched for a touchdown.
Pierre-Paul is the second Giants player to earn NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Terrell Thomas won it for his performance in the 15-7 victory over the Eagles on Oct. 27. This is Pierre-Paul’s third Player of the Week Award. He was honored in Weeks 14 and 16 of the 2011 season, following standout performances against Dallas (eight tackles, two sacks and a blocked field goal) and the Jets (five tackles and two sacks).
A year ago, Pierre-Paul returned an interception of Tony Romo 28 yards for his first career touchdown. The Giants hope Pierre-Paul’s past history against Romo and the Cowboys translates into a big game for him this Sunday, when the resurgent Giants, riding a four-game winning streak after a 0-6 start, look to pull even with the Cowboys (5-5) in the race for the division title. Both teams trail the first-place Eagles (6-5), who are on their bye week.