New York Giants All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is the closest thing the team has to a leader. As they continue to go through changes and transition, he knows he has to keep his emotions in check.
This week, the Giants made the decision to bench (and subsequently release) starting quarterback Daniel Jones and insert local favorite Tommy DeVito into the role.
That was a tough pill to swallow for Lawrence, who has become close with Jones since the Giants selected the pair in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft.
“Definitely hard, but I’ve been a part of this business,” Lawrence told reporters on Wednesday. “Just like last year when they traded my best friend (Leonard Williams) in the middle of the season. It’s part of the business and I understand that part of it. And like I said before, I feel for Daniel, works hard, great dude, relatable. It just sucks.”
As one of the longest-tenured Giants (along with Jones and wide receiver Darius Slayton), Lawrence commented on the state of the locker room, which he says is good.
“I haven’t seen a flinch, or I haven’t seen any discouragement. I haven’t seen guys fall apart — and that starts to happen first. So, I haven’t seen it,” he said.
Lawrence was asked how he felt Jones handled the situation before his release.
“He still has a smile on his face,” Lawrence said. “And I told him, ‘You’ll get another opportunity, and wherever it is, you’re going to take advantage of it.’ But I’m excited for Tommy, and it should be good.”
Lawrence is prepared to move forward with DeVito, who hasn’t played a snap in the regular season since last year.
“He showed his flashes last year, obviously. And I have trust in him, and I trust in what the team has seen from him, so I’m excited,” he said.
Lawrence leads the Giants in sacks and the 2-8 Giants lead the NFL in sacks. With seven games remaining, he is not taking his eye off the ball. He wants to finish strong.
“Prove myself, prove this defense is a great defense, and rally among the offense and encourage, and keep the confidence,” he said when asked what his approach is.
Lawrence was not in favor of Jones’ benching and his comments earlier this week may have led some to believe that he is not on the same page with the powers that be. He debunked that narrative.
“I trust what the coaches think, and they think Tommy is the best way to go. I’m going to rally along that, and I’m going to play my hardest for Tommy, just like I played my hardest for Daniel and whoever goes after that,” he said.
