New York Giants second-year edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has been the fodder of many a debate this season. One school was this short of calling him a bust while others argued the former fifth-overall pick’s game was not being fully reflected on the score sheet.
On Sunday in Washington, Thibodeaux recorded two sacks which raised his total to 10.5 on the season. He is tied for fifth in the NFL in sacks this year.
There is very little to argue about any longer.
Kayvon Thibodeaux vs. the Commanders:
🍎 8 pressures
🍎 2 sacks
🍎 19.5% pressure rate pic.twitter.com/aQOTe1rE5I— PFF NY Giants (@PFF_Giants) November 20, 2023
Thibodeaux, never at a loss for words, took the high road when asked about reaching double-digit sacks.
“It’s the first time I’ve had double-digit sacks in the NFL. It’s a blessing,” he said. “I just have to keep working. . . You work your whole life to be in the NFL. You work every day to get sacks, that’s why they drafted me. So being able to deliver for this team and get a win gives me no better feeling.”
Washington was the perfect foil for Thibodeaux and the Giants. The Commanders lead the league in sacks allowed this season.
“Pressure breaks pipes,” Thibodeaux said. “So, once we stopped the run, we knew we would be in a throwing situation, and we had to take that away too.”
Thibodeaux is the first-ever edge rusher to record double-digit sacks under defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and is on pace to finish near the top of the Giants’ all-time single-season sacks list.