Outside Linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux
Q: Are you noticing that the moves you did in college need to be either refined or expanded?
A: Definitely. I think that's the nature of the game. When you get people that are bigger, faster, and stronger things move a little quicker. There is more strategy in every play and yeah you definitely have to sharpen all your tools.
Q: What have you noticed so far? Maybe you can't bull-rush a guy as much?
A: I feel like it varies with every person, but I feel like you can't use every move on every person. You have to know, specifically who you're going against, and you have to tailor your moves to that.
Q: What do you consider your go-to move?
A: I like a long arm and I like some speed.
Q: What about the long arm?
A: Just being able to be dynamic with your force and the motion and then being able to kind of control the other person's momentum.
Q: How does your approach go from preseason game one to preseason game two? Are you changing anything? Are you trying to focus on anything?
A: Just refining. Hopefully, I get a little bit more run in the second preseason game. Definitely just trying to refine and realize that you only have so many rushes and you only have so many plays to dominate. So just making sure that I don't leave any out there.
Q: How much of your game is studying the guys you are going to be going against and the fact that's not really happening much in the preseason?
A: I think it's actually pretty good. The fact that we aren't game planning for the other team gives us players a little bit more of an edge knowing that I have no real idea of who I am playing against, and I have to go out there and execute. So, as a pass rusher, it lets you know who has been really working on their moves.
Q: What's it been like to have (Outside Linebacker) Azeez (Ojulari) back out there with you?
A: It's been really great. Obviously, he's a great player and now that he's really back, we get to have his presence and get to continue to build that team comradery. It's been great, I'm excited to keep it going.
Q: Has there been any chatter between the two of you? Azeez set the rookie sack record last season. Have you guys had any back and forth about that?
A: Definitely. I told him yesterday in the meeting like everything he does I want to do it better. Whether it's eating, sleeping, or breathing, I'm going to try to do it better. So, just continuing to set a standard and continuing to chase and create that competitive banter.
Q: What did he say to that?
A: He said, "Yeah, it's on". He said he has goals he wants to reach and we're just going to keep pushing each other to get there.
Q: Do you know how many sacks he had last year?
A: 8.5.
Q: You knew that?
A: Yeah.
Q: Is that a reasonable goal for you?
A: Yeah, that's the record.
Q: You want the rookie record?
A: I mean, I wouldn't not want it so. (Laughs)
Q: (Retired Linebacker Lawrence Taylor) L.T. had 9.5 in 1981 before it was an official stat.
A: Shout out to L.T.
Q: How do you feel about making your MetLife debut in the preseason?
A: It's going to be exciting. The Fan Fest was really dope so I know there are going to be a lot of fans out there, the energy is going to be great. I'm excited to play on that turf.
Q: Have you learned anything about Giant fans yet?
A: They're relentless, that's it. They don't hold back. No sugar coding in Giant land.
Q: You like that?
A: I mean, it doesn't really matter, to be honest. It's all talk.
Q: How have you experienced that? Online? In-person?
A: Well I haven't really experienced it. But in third person, it looks pretty tough.
Q: Has (Offensive Lineman) Evan (Neal) helped you become a better player so far?
A: Everybody on the field has. I feel like that's one of the biggest things. One of the coaches always says "everyone touches everybody else's money" whether it's directly or indirectly. So just making sure that we continue to push each other and really give each other a look when it's time.
Q: Do you like that you have two young tackles that you get to really match your skills with every day?
A: Yeah, I love going against people who are good.
Q: Are there plays in this scheme where (Defensive Coordinator) Wink (Martindale) asks an edge to create an opportunity for someone else coming behind you?
A: I mean that's everybody, that's the game. I try to explain football to a lot of people who just watch for entertainment, but if you're not making the play, you're doing something that is going to help someone else make the play. That's every play. So, yeah, every team has that. That's like one of the pillars of football.
Q: I know you've played on both sides do you have a preference? I think you play more on the right.
A: Yeah, I've been on the right because I've had this chip on my shoulder with (Tackle) Andrew (Thomas) just making sure that I continue to keep going after him. I've got to even up the score. He kind of got ahead a little bit and I've got to even it back up.
Q: You really tell Wink that? You want to be on the right?
A: It doesn't go that high, but I talk to, whether it's Azeez, whether it's (Outside Linebacker) Jihad (Ward), or (Outside Linebacker Tomon Fox) Ox. I just talk to the guys and say you know; I need him.
Q: But you kind of expect to be on both sides and all around.
A: It's a give and take. Whatever side someone feels good. It just depends on how the game goes.
