Amidst all the attention of the Bucs defense, from a switch at coordinator – to losing both Kwon Alexander and Jack Cichy to knee injuries – something has flown somewhat under the radar.

That something, or in this case someone, is the job that Jason Pierre-Paul has been doing.

The nine-year veteran and first-year Buc, has been the most consistent producer the entire season. Pierre-Paul has six sacks through six games, quickly proving that he has been worth everything the Bucs gave up to trade for him. Those sacks lead the team and have put him tied for eighth in the NFL.

Out of everyone the Bucs brought in to help the defense, it’s Pierre-Paul has been the best of the bunch on a defense that has been in such disarray. Mitch Unrein, Beau Allen, Carl Nassib, Vinny Curry and Carl Nassib were all new additions to the line, but it’s been JPP that has stood out.

His consistency has been a key to anchoring the defense. Even in his ninth year, Pierre-Paul is cocky and confident as ever in his mentality. It can be noticed by how Pierre-Paul described the type of player that he is.

Jason Pierre-Paul and Gerald McCoy – Photo by: Mary Holt

“Unblockable,” Pierre-Paul said. “That’s how I see it. Two, three man, bring them all. I feel like nobody can block me offensive tackle wise, unless I block myself.”

You can put him just about anywhere also, as long as he’s comfortable.

“Me personally, I can play all over the board, and I do at times,” Pierre-Paul said. “In order for me to do that I got to be very, very, very comfortable, you know what I mean? I am comfortable, you know, but sometimes I can’t do too much. Only thing I can tell you is I go hard every play. If I can play all those positions I will, put me all on the lines and make clones of myself.”

One sign of his comfortability may have shown in the Chicago game. Pierre-Paul is not a very vocal guy, but he was shown on the sideline trying to rally his teammates after letting up a couple early scores.

“I don’t think I have to do it a lot, I just think my performance speaks for itself,” Pierre-Paul said about being a vocal leader. “I’m a performer man, I entertain the people in the crowd, and I just like playing football. So I don’t really have to be vocal, just look at my play and you see that I’m going 110 percent like I said every time, full speed. Injuries, not injuries, I don’t care, I’m always out there.”

New Bucs defensive coordinator Mark Duffner had high praise for Pierre-Paul on Wednesday when speaking to the media.

“His energy and effort is terrific,” Duffner said. “I love the guy. I just can’t say enough about how hard he plays, he comes out and does it the right way. I think he’s got certainly great talent, a lot of people have talent, but he’s been able to turn that talent into production, largely because of his attitude, his desire to make plays, to be a playmaker.”

Despite averaging a sack a game and getting off to a hot start, Pierre-Paul hasn’t felt any different in his play or preparation to start off the year. Maybe that’s just his confidence and comfortability taking over.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a better start,” Pierre-Paul said. “I’ve always been the same player, it’s probably hard for people to see but I’ve always been the same player that I always was. There’s nothing I’ve changed in my game to make me boost up the energy.”

Whether he knows it or not, Pierre-Paul could become the first Bucs players to record double digit sacks in over a decade. To him he wants even more, literally as many as possible.

“Unlimited (sacks), as many as I can get,” Pierre-Paul said when asked about the number of sacks he would like.

He may not be able to technically get that number, but with the pace he is on, Pierre-Paul could top his personal best of 16.5. All of course while leading the defense.