Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux welcomes one job after mixing inside rushes - Giants Wire

New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux did not soften the blow. After Brian Burns tore his ACL in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 12-7 win over the Tennessee Titans and was ruled out for the season, Thibs made clear what the outside linebacker room lost.

"It definitely hurts, man," Thibodeaux told reporters. "Having Burns go down, he gives so much to the game. He gives so much to the room. I'm definitely wishing him a speedy recovery."

Burns' absence shifts a larger share of the work onto Thibodeaux as the Giants (2-1) prepare to host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4.

For much of the early season, New York used Thibodeaux in a mixed role, sliding him inside at times while Burns and Abdul Carter held the edges. That flexibility is gone. With Burns on injured reserve (IR), Thibodeaux is in line for more snaps and a more defined spot on the edge.

He described the assignment in simple terms.

"I've just got to play my game," Thibodeaux said. "I've got to command, and I've got to make my presence known."

How does he do that? By playing hard, making plays and being there for his team.

The cleaner job may suit him. Asked whether returning to a more natural edge role, after unselfishly working inside, would bring out his best, Thibodeaux said it would.

"I would say definitely, just being able to kind of focus on one job and be out there and be able to deliver for the team," he added.

That is the opening now. The Giants' pass rush has been quiet through three games, and Burns' season-ending injury removes the group's most proven producer. Thibodeaux, in a contract year, gets an opportunity to settle on the edge, take the extra reps, and give the defense a consistent presence opposite Carter.

Thibodeaux is not framing it as a takeover of Burns' production. He is framing it as a chance to play one job, stay on the field, and deliver. Sunday at MetLife Stadium is the first full look at that version of the role.