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Pierre-Paul certain he'll get to Brady

 
Published Nov. 12, 2015

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — If there is a mismatch in the NFL this week, it's the Giants defense against Tom Brady and the undefeated Patriots.

It's the well-oiled offensive machine against a banged-up defense ranked 32nd overall.

How bad can it get? Less than two weeks ago, Drew Brees passed for 505 yards and seven touchdowns — both NFL highs this season — in New Orleans' 52-49 win over New York.

Now it's Brady's turn. He comes into the game leading the league in touchdown passes (22), fewest interceptions (two) and quarterback rating (113.5).

Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul was ready when asked why wouldn't Brady match Brees' numbers.

"I wasn't there," said the former USF standout, who played this past weekend against the Bucs for the first time since losing a finger in a Fourth of July fireworks accident.

Pierre-Paul gives the Giants the hope of a pass rush but no guarantee against a quarterback who gets rid of the ball as fast as anyone.

"It's a big challenge," Pierre-Paul said Wednesday. "He's a great quarterback, pretty soon he'll be in the Hall of Fame when he retires or whatever, but it's going to be a big challenge and we're up for a challenge. … We'll get to the quarterback. I'm sure of it. I know I will."

Pierre-Paul said the injured hand didn't bother him Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, and he expects he'll soon be able to play without the heavy club-type mitten he wore during the game.

"When I feel like I don't need it anymore, I'll be off of it," Pierre-Paul said.

L.A. MOVE: Oakland, San Diego and St. Louis are making their pitches to save their teams from moving to Los Angeles. Officials from those cities are speaking to the league's finance, stadium and Los Angeles committees, all three of which play some role in a potential relocation. Oakland spoke first, then San Diego and St. Louis.

MANZIEL NOT CONCERNED: Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel said he does not expect to be punished by the league for his actions in a recent domestic incident. Also, Browns starting quarterback Josh McCown was limited in practice with injured ribs but could still play Sunday in Pittsburgh.

BEARS: Running back Matt Forte practiced on a limited basis after being sidelined by a right knee injury.

BRONCOS: First-round draft pick Shane Ray practiced for the first time since the defensive end injured his right knee Oct. 18.

COLTS: With starting quarterback Andrew Luck out 2-6 weeks and no competent backup for Matt Hasselbeck, the team is trying to lure Jason Campbell out of retirement, profootballtalk.com reported. Campbell, 33, last played for the Bengals in 2014.

EAGLES: Left tackle Jason Peters said he's only 50-50 to play Sunday as he manages a back injury.

PACKERS: James Starks was named the team's starting running back, replacing the slumping Eddie Lacy. Coach Mike McCarthy said Starks is the team's "No. 1 back right now" entering this weekend's game against the Lions.

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RAVENS: Tight end Dennis Pitta will be placed on season-ending injured reserve, a decision that came after his personal physicians and team doctors deemed it unsafe for him to return from right hip surgery.

VIKINGS: Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is "progressing nicely" through the NFL concussion protocol, coach Mike Zimmer said. Bridgewater was knocked out of Sunday's game against the Rams.