Three Players Looking to Make an Impact for the Giants on TNF
After the Giants finally got in the win column with a 21-15 victory over the Cleveland Browns, they look to build on this momentum and take it back home with them when they match up against the Dallas Cowboys. The Giants finally figured it out on both sides of the ball on Sunday but now face an even tougher matchup from both sides of the ball. Guys like Dexter Lawrence and Malik Nabers stepped up on Sunday, but who will step up on Thursday? Here are three guys who are looking to make an impact Thursday.
1. Kayvon Thibodeaux
When the New York Giants acquired Brian Burns in a trade with the Carolina Panthers, they expected it to open opportunities for the opposing edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. Unfortunately, that hasn’t worked out much, with Thibodeaux off to a slow start. After a career-high 11.5 sacks, Thibodeaux has just half a sack this season, which he recorded this past week against the Cleveland Browns. The Giants have had success with their defensive line as a whole, getting pressure and getting hits on the quarterback. They hope that the third-year outside linebacker from Oregon can also start to make big contributions.
2. Jalin Hyatt
If you have not heard or seen, the Giants have clearly found a breakout wide receiver one in Malik Nabers. Nabers has recorded 37 targets in three games so far and looks to keep building upon that. However, he needs a supporting cast so that the defense is unable to keen in on him. Wandale Robinson has given defenses some trouble this season with 15 receptions on 24 targets, but Jalin Hyatt is the guy needed to step up. With zero receptions on two targets, they need to get Hyatt going. The potential was shown in glimpses last year, but Hyatt hasn’t reached his full capability just yet. If Daniel Jones can find him in space, this will open up a whole new element of their offense with the speed Hyatt possesses.
3. Isaiah Simmons
One of the more surprising guys to not play a single snap for the New York Giants in Week One was Isaiah Simmons. A true defensive Swiss army knife who can play anywhere on defense now seeks an opportunity in a spot to showcase his skills. After Andru Phillips, the standout nickelback out of Kentucky, went down to injury, the Giants will turn to Simmons to assume that role at nickel. Simmons has been used primarily as an outside and inside linebacker throughout his career, so it will be a true test to see how he performs. The Giants hope Simmons and the rest of the secondary can slow down the air attack of the Dallas Cowboys.
