Video shows curious Kayvon Thibodeaux moment on Giants sideline
Kayvon Thibodeaux has finally been found.
The 2022 first-round pick — who has largely been invisible to start his sophomore season — was sitting apart from the team in new footage from the Giants’ 31-28, come-from-behind road win over the Cardinals on Sunday.
In a video posted by Giants superfan Joe “License Plate Guy” Ruback, Thibodeaux is separate from his celebrating teammates on a bench with his head down following what appeared to be Saquon Barkley’s touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The video showed other Giants engaged and upbeat — and in one general area — after Barkley’s fantastic grab cut Arizona’s lead to 28-21 with 8:51 remaining.
Thibodeaux, meanwhile, sat on a bench at the other end of the sideline while seated next to who appeared to be two inactive players.
Warning: Explicit language
“See this — this I like,” Ruback said in reference to the celebration near Barkley. “This (Thibodeaux) – this I don’t like. I don’t like this s–t at all.”
Ruback offered more context on the video Monday morning.
“The video I posted was just my opinion, my perspective. I watched it alot yesterday & some last year it just wasn’t at that time of video. Giants just scored go dap it up. On the other hand Idk if he was hurt, meditating or whatever…..i didn’t like it, sue me,” Ruback responded to a fan.
While it’s hard to know based on one clip what exactly was happening at that moment, it’s a curious look for Thibodeaux.
For context, fellow defensive players such as Dexter Lawrence stood on the other end of the sideline with a large gathering of players at the moment.
Not one player, aside from a strolling Darius Slayton, appeared near Thibodeaux.
Thibodeaux has largely been among the Giants’ biggest disappointments to start this season as he’s been pulling his best John Cena impersonation.
The former Oregon star has been credited with one solo tackle, one quarterback hit, four combined tackles and zero sacks through the first two games.
While it’s fair to give the 22-year-old a pass for Week 1 since Dallas did not have to throw much, the no-show against Arizona is a bit more concerning.
Thibodeaux tweeted after the game: “Just gotta keep getting better; one for the good guys!”
The Giants hoped Thibodeaux would take a step forward this year after tallying four sacks last season, but his disappointing play adds to the Giants’ defensive struggles.
For much of the first half Sunday, an undermanned Arizona team largely did whatever it wanted against Wink Martindale’s unit.
That’s not a good sign with the loaded 49ers and offensive guru Kyle Shanahan waiting Thursday on a short week.