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New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is the NFC East comeback player of the year as voted on by the four reporters covering the division for ESPN.com. Todd Archer, Dallas Cowboys reporter: Pierre-Paul missed the final four games of the season because of an injury, but he showed he was still an effective pass-rusher a year after a fireworks accident severely injured his hand. He had one sack in eight games in 2015 but had seven sacks in 12 games in 2016. The Giants' defense did not miss a step without him, but he was showing the form that made him one of the dominant pass rushers before the accident. Jordan Raanan, New York Giants reporter: This would've been a runaway had Pierre-Paul not been injured late in the season. Still, he's my choice after recording 53 tackles and three forced fumbles to go along with the sacks in 12 games. It's even more amazing when you consider he did it with 7½ fingers following a July 4 fireworks accident the previous year. Pierre-Paul returned last season but was still learning how to play with the limitations. This year he was a disruptive force against the run and pass. He even scored a touchdown and was tied for the league lead with eight batted passes before a sports hernia injury that prematurely ended his season. Tim McManus, Philadelphia Eagles reporter: A fireworks accident in 2015 cost Pierre-Paul part of his hand. Yet he has re-emerged as a playmaker for the Giants this year. John Keim, Washington Redskins reporter: After the fireworks incident, Pierre-Paul understandably struggled through 2015. But he was closer to himself this past season -- missing the last five games (including the playoffs) after undergoing surgery to repair a sports hernia. Pierre-Paul also applied quite a bit of pressure and showed that he can still be a very good player. Few players could have accomplished what he did after his injury.
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