Kayvon Thibodeaux, the promising Defensive End for the New York Giants, entered his second season in the NFL with high expectations. Despite some fluctuations in performance, Thibodeaux showcased his potential and left a mark on the field in 2022 and 2023, with notable improvements in his game.
In 2022, Pro Football Focus (PFF) graded Thibodeaux at 72.5 from 859 snaps. However, in 2023, his grade dipped to 58.4 from 981 snaps. Despite this, Thibodeaux managed to deliver standout performances, including an impressive 91 graded game against the Jets. It’s important to note that his three sub-50 graded games coincided with the Giants’ defensive struggles, particularly evident in the team’s inability to prevent opponents from scoring 30 plus points.
Thibodeaux’s statistics tell a different story, highlighting his impact on the field. While his total tackles increased only marginally from his rookie year, reaching 50 in 2023, his most significant improvement came in the number of sacks. In his debut season, Thibodeaux secured four sacks, but in 2023, he more than doubled this figure, finishing with an impressive 11.5 sacks.
Thibodeaux’s performance in 2023 was marked by several memorable plays, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Let’s delve into some of his standout sacks:
In this video breakdown, we will analyze a play where Kayvon Thibodeaux showcases his speed off the edge and his technique in defeating the offensive tackle to sack the Jets’ quarterback.
- Video Breakdown: Kayvon Thibodeaux’s Speed and Technique
- Speed off the Edge: At the snap, Thibodeaux explodes off the line of scrimmage, utilizing his exceptional speed to gain an advantage over the offensive tackle.
- Hand Technique: Thibodeaux demonstrates excellent hand placement and usage, engaging with the tackle and quickly disengaging to create separation.
- Turning the Corner: With his speed and separation, Thibodeaux effectively turns the corner, keeping a low pad level to maintain balance and acceleration.
- QB Pressure: As Thibodeaux closes in on the quarterback, his pressure forces the QB to step out of the pocket, limiting his options and creating a prime opportunity for the sack.
- Sack: Thibodeaux’s relentless pursuit and speed allows him to reach the quarterback and secure the sack, showcasing his ability to impact the game as a pass rusher.
This play highlights Kayvon Thibodeaux’s development as a pass rusher, combining speed, technique, and tenacity to disrupt opposing offenses. As he continues to refine his skills, Thibodeaux is poised to become a dominant force on the Giants’ defensive line, making plays that can change the course of a game.
Video Breakdown: Kayvon Thibodeaux’s Power and Leverage
In this video breakdown, we will analyze a play where Kayvon Thibodeaux demonstrates his power and ability to use leverage against an offensive tackle, showcasing his understanding of his responsibilities and how he can impact the play.
Video Breakdown: Kayvon Thibodeaux’s Power and Leverage
In this video breakdown, we will analyze a play where Kayvon Thibodeaux demonstrates his power and ability to use leverage against an offensive tackle, showcasing his understanding of his responsibilities and how he can impact the play.
Key Points:
- Explosiveness off the Ball: Thibodeaux showcases his explosiveness off the ball, driving into the offensive tackle with powerful initial contact.
- Power and Leverage: Instead of trying to get around the tackle, Thibodeaux uses his power and leverage to drive the tackle backward, disrupting the play in the backfield.
- Hand Technique: Thibodeaux utilizes his hands effectively, getting underneath the tackle’s shoulder pads to gain leverage and control.
- Hip Drive: Thibodeaux demonstrates excellent hip drive, working to get his hips through and maintain his position against the blocker.
- Awareness and Responsibility: Thibodeaux’s awareness of his responsibilities on the play is evident, as he maintains his position to defend the B gap or underneath, while teammate Williams provides containment on the outside.
- Disruptive Impact: Thibodeaux’s technique and understanding of the play result in the tackle being pushed higher into the pocket, disrupting the flow of the play and allowing other defenders to converge on the ball carrier.
This play highlights Kayvon Thibodeaux’s ability to use his power, leverage, and understanding of his responsibilities to disrupt opposing offenses. His combination of athleticism and technique makes him a formidable presence on the field, capable of impacting the game in multiple ways.