New York Giants rookie edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux had one of the best defensive performances of the 2022 regular season on Sunday night, and quite possibly one of the best in recent years.
The fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft recorded 12 tackles (nine solo, three for a loss), one QB hit, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one touchdown.
Even outside of the big highlight reel plays, Thibodeaux made every snap count. While most will focus on his strip-sack for the score, his tackle of Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke at the one-yard line with seconds remaining potentially saved the Giants the game.
During a postgame interview with CBS Sports reporter Josina Anderson, Thibodeaux was made aware of his final game statistics. And his reaction was classic.
"D*MN, 12 tackles?!"
Kayvon Thibodeaux couldn't believe his own performance in the Giants win over the Commanders 🤣
🎙: @JosinaAnderson pic.twitter.com/OnyrnnI0Et
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) December 19, 2022
Leading up to the Week 15 game, Thibodeaux said that prime time liked him. And he certainly wasn’t lying. He shined the brightest under the brightest of lights and on the biggest stage of his young career, earning the Giants Wire Player of the Game.
Something tells us that won’t be the only award Thibodeaux takes home over the next few days.
