Recently, New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux said that he has his eyes set on Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record.
Well, now, Strahan has responded.
Strahan racked up 22.5 sacks with the Giants back in 2001. Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt tied the record in 2021, but no one has broken it.
So, is Thibodeaux a candidate to do so?
Thibodeaux, who played his collegiate football at the University of Oregon, was selected by New York with the fifth overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.
He played in 14 games during his rookie campaign, registering 49 tackles, four sacks, a couple of forced fumbles, a pair of fumble recoveries, five passes defended and a defensive touchdown.
Then, this past season, Thibodeaux broke out, appearing in every contest and racking up 50 tackles, 11.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
The 23-year-old unquestionably had a terrific year in 2023, but 11.5 sacks is a long way from 22.5
Kayvon Thibodeaux’s Job Should Be Easier In 2024
The good news for Thibodeaux is that he should have an easier time getting to the quarterback this coming season.
Why?
Because the Giants swung a sign-and-trade deal with the Carolina Panthers for star defensive end Brian Burns earlier this offseason, giving New York quite the pass-rushing tandem.
Not only that, but Big Blue also has Dexter Lawrence up front on the interior, so the trio of Thibodeaux, Burns and Lawrence should wreak havoc in opposing backfields.
The Giants amassed a grand total of just 34 sacks this past season, which ranked toward the bottom of the league. Bringing Burns into the fold should definitely help with that, and an inspired Thibodeaux should also be able to make a significant dent.
Setting your sights on becoming like Strahan is certainly a great goal, too.
After all, Strahan is one of the most dominant pass rushers in NFL history. The Hall-of-Famer spent his entire 15-year career in New York, making seven trips to the Pro Bowl while also earning four First-Team All-Pro selections. He led the league in sacks twice, also racking up 18.5 in 2003.
Strahan concluded his career by winning a Super Bowl during the 2007-08 campaign. Even at his older age, he managed to register 57 tackles and nine sacks that season while also logging a sack and a couple of quarterback hits in the Giants’ championship win over the New England Patriots.
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