Three Players to Step Up in Thibodeaux’s Absence
The New York Giants defense has been flying under the radar. After their Week Five victory on the road against the Seattle Seahawks, they now find themselves leading the league in sacks with 22 on the year. While the headline has been how Dexter Lawrence is off to an unbelievable start, tallying six sacks, there will now be a void to fill. Kayvon Thibodeaux went down with a wrist injury and had successful surgery to repair the injury. However, he is considered week-to-week with an expectancy to miss some time. There will need to be guys that rise to the occasion in Thibodeaux’s absence.
1. Azeez Ojulari
The Giants have been struggling to get Azeez Ojulari going in his early career. Ojulari recorded eight and a half sacks his rookie year in 2021 but hasn’t come close to it since and, after the signing of Brian Burns, hasn’t been getting the same amount of reps. In an unfortunate scenario for the Giants but fortunate for Azeez, he will be able to fill the role Thibodeaux had on this defense. They will call on him to be the main presence to step up in Kayvon’s absence; it’ll be up to him whether he rises to the occasion or not.
2. Isaiah Simmons
A guy who is a Swiss army knife on defense. Isaiah Simmons has recorded snaps on all three levels of the defense: safety, middle linebacker, and as an edge rusher. He has seen limited time defensively but made his impact on Sunday when he cleared the Seahawks line and blocked a game-tying field goal that was returned for a touchdown eventually by Bryce Ford-Wheaton. With an opportunity to insert him as a pass rusher, it should be interesting to see if Simmons fits into the role and gets pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
3. Bobby Okereke
While the other two names listed have an edge presence, the Giants have been getting pressure from all levels of their defense, with safeties, corners, and middle linebackers also recording sacks as well. Bobby Okereke has made himself known in this league as a guy who will make the tackle. While his career high is only two and a half sacks, Bobby should see an elevation in play calls that call for a middle linebacker blitz. He has the ability to wreak havoc on anyone on the field and should see an increase in opportunities to wreak havoc in the backfield.
