Giants emerging star Kayvon Thibodeaux is made for prime time
It appears prime time does like Kayvon Thibodeaux. On "Sunday Night Football," the rookie proved that he's a game-changing talent and he isn't a liar.
Before the divisional showdown with Washington, Thibodeaux had one thing to say to reporters:
During the Week 13 tie , Thibodeaux came up short of a potential game-winning safety when he sacked Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke in overtime. Early in the rematch, the former Oregon Duck sought vengeance.
Thibodeaux, the fifth pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, scored the game’s first touchdown after stripping Heinicke on a sack early in the second quarter in New York's 20-12 win against Washington.
He finished with 12 tackles (nine solo), three TFLs, one sack, a forced fumble and the recovery, and a TD, the most dominant performance by a Giants defender since Jason Pierre-Paul's epic game against the Cowboys in 2011.
While Sunday night was Thibodeaux's introduction to the national spotlight, he has been a force for some time. The stats weren't showing up in the box score yet. He had just two sacks and 16 solo tackles heading into Week 15.
A preseason MCL sprain that forced him to miss the first two regular season games could be to blame for Thibodeaux's "slow" start. The truth may be that he needed more support from his teammates.
The Giants' secondary played pretty well on Sunday, especially in the first half when Thibodeaux was most effective. It will not be a problem for New York's newest star to continue attacking opposing quarterbacks as long as the secondary plays serviceable coverage.
Thibodeaux possesses all the physical tools needed to succeed as a premier pass rusher. Because of his elite quick first step, he often gets held by offensive linemen, and though rarely called, he continues to cause havoc in the backfield.
Thibodeaux's flashes demonstrated on Sunday are what put him in contention for the number one overall pick in 2022. Before scouts foolishly began questioning his character and motor, that is.
As well as disputing these claims on the field, RB Saquon Barkley says the rookie is stepping up as a vocal locker room member.
Thibodeaux is the perfect addition to the core featuring Dexter Lawrence, Azeez Ojulari, and Leonard Williams. As a franchise with a history of great pass-rushing units, this current group looks the part.
The Giants are in a prime position to make the playoffs after Sunday's victory, but Thibodeaux's breakout performance should set the stage for a long and exciting career.
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