Chicago Bears: 3 Buccaneers the Bears must shut down

Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul

For the last couple of years, Jason Pierre-Paul has been more well-known for his 4th of July accident than his play on the football field. Let’s be real. With the power of social media, that’s all anyone has talked about with this guy since the incident.

In 2018, however, and on a new team in Tampa Bay, Pierre-Paul has looked rejuvenated.

Take a look at this list and you’ll notice two things. First of all, the Bucs have two players in the top-4 among quarterback hits through three weeks. Not only is Pierre-Paul second in the NFL with eight, but teammate Gerald McCoy is tied for 4th with six.

This Bucs defensive line is much better than it has been in recent years, thanks to the addition of Pierre-Paul. He currently leads the team with 3.0 sacks and is going to be one to watch for when protecting quarterback Mitch Trubisky.

We’ve seen Trubisky uncomfortable under pressure thus far in 2018. He doesn’t make quick decisions. He rushes his decision-making sometimes, and on other occasions, he takes too long. With Pierre-Paul coming at him, the chances of a mistake or two (or more) are high.

Pierre-Paul will be going up against Charles Leno, who has been the best pass-blocking lineman for the Bears in 2018. Per Pro Football Focus, Leno has had an outstanding grade on the season of 85.9 through Week 3.

If Trubisky has a clean pocket, and the offense is dumbed-down a bit like we are expecting, the afternoon will go much smoother. Pierre-Paul is the guy to watch up front for the Bucs.