During a joint practice session ahead of their preseason matchup on Saturday, Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux delivered a blunt assessment of New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields and the Jets’ offensive line. The session highlighted the challenges Fields faced in dealing with the relentless pressure from the Giants’ defense, demonstrating why the Jets continue to struggle at the quarterback position.

Kayvon Thibodeaux, now in his fourth season with the Giants, has been working to re-establish himself after a disappointing 2024 campaign. Despite defensive struggles around him, he remains a vital figure hoping to improve his impact this season. Fields, known for his agility and arm strength, relied heavily on his ability to scramble throughout the session.

However, Giants writer Pat Leonard noted that Thibodeaux was unable to provide a full evaluation of Fields’ quarterback skills due to how much time Fields spent evading pressure. Leonard posted on social media:

“Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux was asked for his evaluation of Justin Fields as a QB after 2 days of practices against the Jets. Thibodeaux says he honestly can’t give one because Fields had to spend so much time running and scrambling away from the Giants’ pass rush.”

This implies the Jets’ offensive line struggled to protect their quarterback, allowing Giants defenders to disrupt plays early and force Fields into constant motion rather than executing planned offensive strategies.

Context on Thibodeaux’s Role and Recent Performance

Thibodeaux has been known for his physical presence and defensive contributions since joining the Giants. Despite the team’s overall defensive issues over recent seasons, he has shown flashes of dominance. His 2024 season, however, saw a regression with only 28 tackles recorded, a decline from previous years. This practice session and the upcoming season represent an opportunity for Thibodeaux to regain his form and impact.

Justin Fields has carved out a reputation as a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback capable of evading defenders with his legs as well as making plays with his arm. Throughout the joint practice, Fields appeared to lean on this mobility as the Giants‘ defense pressured him relentlessly.

Insight from Giants Legend Carl Banks on Thibodeaux’s Potential

Before the joint practice, Giants great Carl Banks shared his high regard for Kayvon Thibodeaux’s physicality and potential impact on defense. Speaking on the Bleav in Giants podcast, Banks praised Thibodeaux’s strength and ability to overpower blockers:

“Kayvon Thibodeaux is setting the EDGE with grown man strength. I mean, he put tackles on the ground. Big ol’ 300lbers trying to block him, and he put them on the ground.” —Carl Banks, Former Giants linebacker

This endorsement underscores Thibodeaux’s capacity to be a disruptive force and a key defensive asset for the Giants, provided he can return to form after a subpar previous season.

Implications of the Practice Session for Jets and Giants

The joint practice exposed ongoing issues for the Jets, particularly in protecting Justin Fields. The offensive line’s difficulty in handling the Giants’ pass rush limited Fields’ ability to execute plays from the pocket, instead forcing him into scrambling mode. This vulnerability highlights a persistent challenge for the Jets, who have faced quarterback and protection problems for many years.

For the Giants, Thibodeaux’s performance signals potential defensive resurgence if he can build on this showing and stay healthy throughout the season. The results of the upcoming preseason clash will likely provide further clarity on how both teams plan to address their offensive and defensive weaknesses moving forward.