If the New York Giants are ever to regain their status as an NFL power, they are going to have to re-establish their pass rush.
Thus far — although not without trying — they have not been able to do that. This season, the Giants have recorded only two sacks with 16 pressures and have the lowest quarterback-hurry rate in the NFL (2.1 percent of dropbacks).
Last April, they selected Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux with the fifth overall selection in the NFL draft to address the problem. Through 17 games, Thibodeaux has just five sacks and has been more of a non-factor than a factor.
He knows it, too.
“I feel like I haven’t played up to the standard that I want to play at — whatsoever,” Thibodeaux told NJ Advance Media.
“I think I’m very multi-faceted. I feel like the Giants drafted me to be a utility guy, somebody that can do anything — whether it’s drop back in coverage, whether it’s rush the passer, whether it’s setting the edge [in run defense]. I’m happy just to fill whatever role that I need to when it’s game time.”
As many writers and reporters on this site (and others) have pointed out, Thibodeaux has several flaws. He overplays the run, attempts to bullrush much larger offensive linemen and gets himself slowed down, takes bad angles to the quarterback, and has had a difficult time code-switching between running plays and passing ones.
In a recent interview with Darryl Slater of NJ Advance Media, Thibodeaux pretty much outlined his shortcomings and what he needs to do going forward.
“Playing the run, I want to be able to get off blocks,” he said. “I haven’t been able to get off blocks as much as I want to — and contribute back side. If they run the other way, I can’t let that neutralize my game. I’ve still got to be able to go make plays on the back side in pursuit.”
And in pass rush?
“I’ve got to start beating two guys,” he said. “If they’re going to seven-man protect — and they’re going to have a tight end or a running back chip [on my side] — I’ve got to be able to beat that [double team]. It’s just got to be done.
“It’s not easy. Pass rush is one of the hardest things to do in the league. But they drafted me to do it. So whatever the task is, I’ve got to go make plays.”
Let’s leave it there. Now Thibodeaux has to go out and do it. Plain and simple. No more talk.