• Wed. Feb 19th, 2025
New York Giants

Heading into this season, the New York Giants have a lot to prove. In 2022, the defense ranked amongst the top five in the NFL, however the following season (2023) they dropped to bottom 15th in the league. That said, the polar opposite ends just within one season, there must be a fine line and silver lining that lies somewhere in the middle. The Giants are extremely optimistic as they continue to display dominance over the offense in training camp. 

Most importantly, it appears the Giants defense is having fun and communicating much more effectively than they have in the past. Despite the limitless talent this defense possesses, the Giants defense remains inexperienced. Nonetheless, the leaders of the defense will be forced to step up and help guide the rest to the level of play they’re capable of. Not to mention, the latest inquiry of new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. Naturally, there will be a learning curve and this offseason will be vital to gain chemistry amongst one another in that new defensive philosophy.

“We’re in a good spot and we’re growing every day,” Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke explains his stance on where the defense is currently. “Obviously, we’re still installing. Guys are still getting a feel for each other, how we communicate, how we play. It’s still day six or seven of camp, so we still have a lot of growth. This joint practice will be the next good test for us, and we’ll just keep growing as we go.”

Kayvon Thibodeaux Expectations for the Upcoming Season

The key to this offseason for the Giants is to stay as healthy as possible and to find themselves within the new defensive philosophy. Throughout training camp, the Giants defense has made remarkable plays all over the field, including acrobatic interceptions. It appears football is becoming exciting and fun again for this exciting defense, and if they’re going to be the strong point of this team they’ll need to be battle-tested. Unfortunately, dominating their offense isn’t ideal for their offense confidence, however it’s exciting to see energy and swagger reappearing back into this defensive core. 

“I think the best part about playing team ball is that you get to celebrate other people,” Giants star defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux states. “Right so, out there, we’re playing physical, we’re playing fast, we’re playing our style. So, we’re able to celebrate each other’s wins. It’s on different aspects of the game, but seeing guys run and hit, seeing guys make plays in the air, seeing D-lineman win rushes or set edges, it’s something beautiful to see. Now we’re putting it together, and it’s always good when you can dominate offense.”

The easiest way to become great is by expecting greatness within yourself. Thibodeaux explains his expectations for himself and this overall defense. Last season, Thibodeaux recorded 11.5 sacks, 26 solo tackles, and three forced fumbles. This season, he expects more out of himself to elevate his defense to the next level. 

“Greatness, nothing less,” Thibodeaux emphasizes. “I feel like that’s going to be something you guys hear from me every year, every time you ask me, just because we work too hard, and we’ve done so much to get here that now we’re too deep in it to turn back now. So, this is going to continue to strive for greatness, and whatever that looks like in my career, I’ve got to be happy with it and the work I put in at the end of the day.”

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