The Giants just saw what a dynamic rookie defender can do to wreck a game when they were introduced last week to Aidan Hutchinson of the Lions.
On Thursday, the Giants will be reminded of what a dominant defender can do to destroy an offensive game plan when they try to deal with the Cowboys’ Micah Parsons, the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year and a contender for Defensive Player of the Year this season.
The Giants are waiting for Kayvon Thibodeaux to join in the mayhem. He is in the second half of a solid rookie season, a starter at outside linebacker for a defense that has, for the most part, kept the team in games and, at times, carried the load for a sluggish offense. Thibodeaux has earned praise from teammates and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale for his commitment, maturity, work ethic and selfless play on the field. Put it all together and it bodes well for his future.
What is missing is the “wow’’ factor that comes from game-breaking plays, hits that create turnovers, shifts in momentum and exclamation points on a résumé. Though he has made two splash plays late in the fourth quarter to help the Giants secure victories — deflecting an Aaron Rodgers pass in London and storming in on Lamar Jackson for his first (and only) sack to subdue the Ravens — Thibodeaux has one sack, zero tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery overall in eight games.
