EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 07: Steve Spagnulo, Defensive Coordinator of the New York Giants coaches against the Philadelphia Eagles during their game on December 7, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo talks about the potential return of Jason Pierre-Paul. Al Bello Getty Images
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is close to returning to the field after practicing in full for a second straight day on Thursday. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo talked to Giants reporters about Pierre-Paul's return for the first time on Thursday. He's cautiously optimistic.
"He looks pretty good," Spagnuolo said to reporters. "I just got done watching the (practice) tape in there, and I remember one play, when the ball is snapped, he's off the ball pretty good. His takeoff looks real good, too.
"So when you asked, 'How's he doing,' that looks impressive. But look, he's got a long way to go, it's hard to take that much time off and be at the level that you think he can play. But we're optimistic."
Pierre-Paul's potential return has been buzzing and many have suggested that he can save a Giants pass defense that has totaled just 9 sacks in eight games. Spagnuolo cautioned against Pierre-Paul being an immediate solution to all of the Giants' issues on defense.
"I think that's a lot to ask," Spagnuolo said. "Look it, defensive football is a team game, it's 11 guys, it's not one guy. I wouldn't put that on a guy."
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A decision on if Pierre-Paul will play this Sunday at Tampa Bay has not been announced yet. Stay tuned for any further updates.
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