Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson says Kayvon Thibodeaux has to earn the right to rush the passer, and that the New York Giants got there against the Arizona Cardinals by stopping the run first.
Wilson was asked how much Thibodeaux factors into a run defense that has kept most opponents from grinding out first downs. He framed the edge as a run stopper before a pass rusher.
"Yeah. I mean, look, you have to earn the right to rush the passer. You heard that multiple times," Wilson told reporters on Thursday. "We were able to rush the passer this past game because we got them in second-and-long situations. So, everybody, especially on first down, we are run stoppers first. You stop the run and then you can unleash those guys to be able to pass rush or get
them into known third-down or third-and-long situations. So, Kayvon is a huge part of that."
Wilson added that the same standard applies to anyone who is on the field.
"All the guys that play are a huge part of what we're trying to do," Wilson said. "If you're not a starter in one package and you're playing, you're a starter to me. So, it should be no letup if you're in and you're playing or your responsibilities become more as the season goes."
On the pass rush itself, Wilson said Thibodeaux has been more effective off the edge than inside, and that the sack numbers are still ahead of him.
"Kayvon has done an excellent job pass rushing. More so when he's on the edge; he's forcing the ball back, he's using his long arm," Wilson said. "He's been around the quarterback, but at times we have to convert a little bit better, and he will. It's coming. It's coming for him. His speed is still there. I love his power.
"I think early on we had him playing inside a little bit too much. I think he's just better off the edge right now. I can't wait to see him go out there and perform this week. The numbers are still -- they're going to come, just like I said last week. He's ready to turn it on. He's excited about the pass rush plan this week, and I can't wait to see him go out there and execute."
Wilson left the production as a matter of situation and spot, not a missing trait.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' Dennard Wilson expects Kayvon Thibodeaux's pass-rush numbers to come
