NYG Postgame (vs. Commanders) Select Quotes: OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
October 22, 2023
Q: How did it feel to close the deal defensively at the end of the game and to set the tone in the first quarter where it looked like you really showed Washington it was going to be a tough day.
A: I think that’s the defense we’re turning into. Being able to start off hot, start off fast and carry that momentum. So last year was about bringing them to the deep end and this year it’s about hitting them in their mouth first.
Q: People will say “oh, six sacks, that’s a great number”, but you have said all along that this defense has been getting close and you’ve done a lot of things that you’ve tried to do, so what was the difference in terms of the stats today, why the sacks happened?
A: I think we’re just able to take advantage of some of the things we saw on film and dudes executed. (Giants NT) Dex(ter Lawrence II) played like an All Pro and give it to your coverage—coverage was locked down which made us able to get there.
Q: Especially knowing that (Giants NB) Adoree’ Jackson, your veteran back there, was out. You had a lot of inexperience and those guys held up.
A: Yeah, I think that’s a great moment to show that this year, this time last year, they were telling me that I’m not a rookie anymore and now it’s to the next guys to let them know that now it’s time for them to play their best ball.
Q: What about the rush defense because obviously making Washington one dimensional was a big key?
A: Coaching. I give it to (Giants Defensive Coordinator Don) Wink (Martindale). Wink was calling it up, Wink was doing everything and “yeah, yeah, Dabs (Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll), I know,” but Wink was calling a great play and a great game, and everything was working.
Q: Finally, what was the key on the last series when it was a bend but don’t break. They got into your territory, but they couldn’t punch it in.
A: You need big-time players to make big-time plays. The guys did that. I don’t know, was that (Giants SS) Jason Pinnock on that last play?
Q: Yeah.
A: He’s a big-time guy and he stepped up to the plate and even had the other guys rushing. We put the pressure and it was incomplete.
Q: What did you see on the pick there…
A: Ah man, I knew that was going to come. It went from an interception to a punt return and I just saw the open grass and I saw the blockers and I looked up and, just hit me in the stomach, but yeah we’ve got to get back. I’m waiting for that, so yeah, I’m waiting for that, I know.
A: Ah man, I knew that was going to come. It went from an interception to a punt return and I just saw the open grass and I saw the blockers and I looked up and, just hit me in the stomach, but yeah we’ve got to get back. I’m waiting for that, so yeah, I’m waiting for that, I know.
Guy will never get it.