The New York Giants knew the got a special talent when the selected Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux with the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft.
Thibodeaux suffered an MCL sprain in the preseason and missed the Giants’ first two games. Since then, he’s been amping up his game even though he has only recorded one sack thus far.
The Giants believe the best is yet to come with Thibodeaux, and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale reiterated that again in his presser on Thursday.
Wink Martindale on Kayvon Thibodeaux: “I always say we’re gonna open up a can of whoop ass. Well, he’s the can opener.” #Giants pic.twitter.com/424qPYdAK0
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) November 17, 2022
Despite the positive reinforcement from the coaches, there is much to be desired statistics-wise from the rookie.
Thibodeaux has started the last seven games at outside linebacker and has recorded 18 total tackles (12 solo) with one sack and has just three quarterback hits and seven QB pressures.
In Thibodeaux’s defense, he continues to be a victim of quite a number of uncalled holding penalties. As a rookie, those are the breaks and he won’t be getting the the benefit of the doubt. He has to find ways to overcome that, as if this game isn’t tough enough to succeed at.
