New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux didn’t mince words, or hesitate.
The former No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Thibodeaux was asked his expectations for the upcoming season, and it is safe to say the optimism is surging in East Rutherford.
“For the whole team, you know, we’re trying to win the Super Bowl,” Thibodeaux told reporters Monday.
Inside of two weeks from the regular season opener against the Washington Commanders, led by emerging star second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, who barnstormed to the NFC Championship Game last season, Thibodeaux and the Giants defense haven’t just added improved talent but clearly sky-high expectations.
“I think from the coaching staff, from the front office all the way down,” Thibodeaux says. “I think we are all steams ahead on winning the Super Bowl. So, super excited, super grateful for the opportunity. We’re just going to keep working, taking it one day, one week, one game at a time.”
Thibodeaux’s optimism coincides with the arrival of No. 3 overall pick, rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter, veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, first-round rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, and a feeling that not only can this team save head coach Brian Daboll’s job, but, apparently, make an unexpected push for a championship.
However, the Giants have won just nine games combined the past two seasons, and won just one playoff game since 2011.
Still, Thibodeaux–who has frequently been mentioned in trade speculation this offseason, is all in on the personnel that general manager Joe Schoen and the Giants have assembled this offseason.
“I feel like I’m on a winning team and we’re a winning team every year,” Thibodeaux explained. “But obviously, the roster is different, the coaching staff is different, the energy is different. It’s a new year. No year is the same in the NFL. So, I’m super excited about this one.”
Giants a Surprise Team to Watch?
Ishika Samant | GettyGiants head coach Brian Daboll may have the pieces in place for a turnaround this season.
Thibodeaux’s Super Bowl or bust mantra may be a bit ambitious for a with as many holes as the Giants currently have, with uncertainty along the offensive line, largely unproven wide receivers, and a secondary that needs to find a way to gel this season.
However, that doesn’t mean that this season isn’t setting up to be one that surpasses expectations.
Dart’s arrival has sparked long-term optimism, especially following the first-round quarterback’s stellar performance during the preseason. Likewise, the pass rush trio of Thibodeaux, Carter, and Brian Burns has the potential to make the Giants much more competitive.
The Giants were among the teams receiving votes as a team likely to surprise to the upside, in my annual survey of NFL executives, scouts, coaches, and players.
Likewise, a rival executive is all-in on general manager Joe Schoen’s upgrades across the roster.
“I’d watch out for the Giants,” a rival NFC Executive told me recently, when asked to identify the team he believes could surprise to the upside this fall. “Because of their additions at quarterback, and upgrades along the offensive line. Besides, they can’t really be worse than they were last year.”
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