Heading into Sunday night’s game against the Washington Commanders, New York Giants rookie outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux had displayed signs of breaking out.
The immensely talented L.A. native had been this close to breaking out the past few weeks but just kept missing. But in Week 15, Thibodeaux, who said that “prime time like me,” appeared prophetic as he didn’t miss a thing.
Thibodeaux led the team with 12 total tackles, one sack, a forced fumble which he returned for a touchdown and then capped things off by making a game-saving tackle in the final minute.
The fifth overall pick was all over the field against Washington, reminding fans and onlookers of another game-changing linebacker the team had back in the 1980s.
.@Giants @kayvont with his best game of his young career. Yo, Giant fans…it’s only a game…but kinda reminded you of another Bolt of Destruction off the edge in another lifetime #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/Vy2pAHsVbS
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) December 19, 2022
Brian Baldinger points out that Thibodeaux raised the level of play along the Giants’ entire defensive front. All four players — and others — made huge plays in hiding the Commanders to 12 points on the night.
.@Giants defensive line was dominant and each of the 4 made huge splash plays. If they can continue to affect the game like this then they have a few more W’s in them #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/MAVRsBLgBV
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) December 19, 2022
Goal-line and short-yardage stands have not been the norm for the Giants defense this season but that changed on Sunday night. They held Washington to 1-10 on third down, 1-2 on fourth down, 1-3 in the red zone, and 0-1 in goal-to-go situations.
.@Giants @kayvont @thejaylonsmith the only way to play goal line defense is with MAX Violence! Great example #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/YTQ4urVZ7l
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) December 19, 2022
