When the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints take the field on Sunday, both teams will be as hungry for a win as the other.
The Saints are in a three-way tie in their division and need a win to separate themselves from the rest. The Giants are trying to establish that they’re still a contender in the Wild Card hunt.
A large part of the Giants’ recent success has been the play on the defensive side of the ball. Primarily the play of one Kayvon Thibodeaux, who has recorded 11.5 sacks and is ninth in the NFL in that department.
After practice on Friday, Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael was asked about Thibs’ sacks and what he does well.
“I think he rushes the passer extremely well, and I think that when you look at him, you see it, you see a variety of different things that he does. He’s obviously a guy that’s a difference-maker for them, so we have to be alert to where he is. He’s a challenge,” he said.
A challenge, indeed.
At the age of 23, Thibodeaux stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs 258 pounds, but his speed off the line is not representative of his size. He is athletic and has a high football IQ. His anticipation improves every week, and he learns throughout the game. He has more sacks in the fourth quarter this season than any other quarter.
Thibodeaux is definitely a challenge for opposing offenses. We’ll see what the Saints have in mind on Sunday and if it will be effective.
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