Giants’ Kayvon Thibodeaux named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

New York Giants rookie edge defender Kayvon Thibodeaux has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week, which should surprise no one after his dominant performance Sunday night against the Washington Commanders.

Thibodeaux recorded a career and game-high 12 tackles (nine solo), including three for loss. He also scored the Giants’ first touchdown on a 1-yard fumble return with 13:10 remaining in the second quarter. On second-and-18 from the Commanders’ 10-yard line, Thibodeaux sacked Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke, stripped the ball from his hand, recovered it and scored.

Thibodeaux made another huge play with 1:03 remaining in the fourth quarter when he stopped Heinicke at the 1-yard line after a 9-yard gain, preventing both a touchdown and a first down.

In 12 games, the No. 5 overall pick has 3.0 sacks and is second on the team with 11 quarterback hits. He has 38 tackles (24 solo), including four for loss, plus three passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.