Giants Star Kayvon Thibodeaux Anoints Lamar Jackson ‘Best Quarterback in the League’

Conference Championship Weekend will have plenty of star power under center. However, only one quarterback can earn the title of the best in the league. New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has made his pick.

Giants Edge Rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux Praises Lamar Jackson

While playing a position that requires a disdain for quarterbacks on Sundays, the 2022 top-five NFL Draft pick instead gave his praise for the probable 2023 season NFL Most Valuable Player.

“I currently think Lamar Jackson is the best quarterback in the NFL right now. Speaking about this year right now,” Thibodeaux told NBA legend Carmelo Anthony and The Kid Mero on their “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, a Wave Sports + Entertainment original.

Thibodeaux, again, is not one known for respecting many quarterbacks. He’s collected 15.5 sacks in his first two seasons, including 11.5 in 2023.

He even told the gold-medal winner Anthony and comedian Mero that he is “not a fan of anybody in the NFL. Why? Because I’m in the NFL. So I’m not giving no other team respect … I’m trying to get everybody. I’m not a fan of nobody.”

Still, he has placed the Baltimore Ravens passer on the pedestal as the top quarterback in the NFL. He’s only had one meeting with the heavy favorite to win the MVP — a one-sack afternoon on Oct. 16, 2022.

How Can a Defender Sack Jackson? Thibodeaux Breaks It Down

Jackson has become one of the harder quarterbacks to bring down with his uncanny speed and elite pocket awareness. He’s damaged countless defenses with his legs and arm.

Thibodeaux, however, holds this rare claim along with the Giants: beating Jackson and bringing him to the ground.

How was the towering 6’5″ defender able to counter Jackson’s mobility?

“First, you’ve got to figure out where you fit in the whole scheme [against Jackson],” Thibodeaux began. “When I’m watching Lamar, I’ve got to figure out which side is he rolling to?”

He then gave his detailed scouting report that should grab the attention of fellow pass rushers.

“If he rolls out right, he’s looking to throw. If he rolls out left, he’s looking to run,” Thibodeaux said. “In broad terms, I’m looking at his antics.”

MORE: Lamar Jackson’s Emotional Message to C.J. Stroud

Thibodeaux, though, also based it on the kind of defense that is getting played against Jackson.

“What is the defense that these other teams are playing that’s making him react this way? And then what are we going to do to make him react certain ways? And then what do I do that fits inside the scheme to get him?” Thibodeaux asked.

But Thibodeaux and the Giants defense figured out that at the time, Baltimore didn’t want Jackson to run. During Jackson’s pending contract situation, New York felt that he and the Ravens were thinking more about Jackson being a true pocket passer. That gave the defense the belief Baltimore didn’t want him to take off and run — so they went straight after him.

Thibodeaux delivered three solo tackles and the sack in the 24-20 win. However, one year after that game, the former Oregon Duck embraced the fact he went against a talent like Jackson.

“As a defensive end, I want to go against the quarterbacks that think they’re the best. Because they are going to try and make a play,” Thibodeaux said.

He concluded how he earned this early accolade in his young career: He tackled Jackson for the first sack of his professional career.

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