East Rutherford, N.J. - Rookie linebacker Devon Kennard impressed the New York Giants in training camp with his speed, athleticism and ability to hit.

The only things that held back the fifth-round draft pick from Southern California was that instinctiveness that comes from playing and a hamstring injury that happened in the season opener.

It took almost a month for Kennard to get over the injury. The playing smarts took a little longer, and Kennard now is showing what he can do now that he understands the game.

Earlier this week, Kennard became the Giants' first rookie defensive player to win the NFC player of the week award after posting two sacks for the second straight week and forcing a fumble in the Giants' 36-7 win over Tennessee.

"I came in with the mindset that I wanted to help my team," Kennard said Thursday after the Giants (4-9) finished practice for Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins (3-10) at Metlife Stadium. "I wanted to show the coaches and teammates that I could help them win games the best way I can, and any way I can."

With recent injuries to linebackers Jacquian Williams and Mark Herzlich, Kennard's playing time has increased and he has been outstanding, getting to opposing quarterbacks on the blitz.

"We knew he was a big, strong, powerful man," defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said Thursday. "I think he is displaying that in his play."

Fewell said Kennard also is a smarter player. He always had a good grasp of what was going on in the meeting rooms, but there was a slight hesitation on the field.

"A lot of times when they are out there on the field and it happens fast, as a ball coach, you can see them thinking," Fewell said. "He is starting to use his athleticism and executing those moves that we have talked about in the classroom."