The last time the New York Giants played in Seattle was in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, there were no fans in the stands, so Lumen Field was uncharacteristically silent.
This Sunday, the Giants will return to Seattle to take on the Seahawks and the stadium will be packed. For some members of Big Blue, it will be their first true “12th Man” experience.
“I’m excited,” nose tackle Dexter Lawrence told reporters. “It’s probably not going to be too loud for us on defense but the last time I played was during Covid so there were no fans. Just games like this you’ve got to continue to prove yourself no matter what the circumstances are. You’ve just got to keep playing.”
In addition to crowd noise, the Giants will also be forced to stop the surging Geno Smith, who enters Week 8 as the NFL’s third-rated passer. But it’s not just his arm that’s dangerous, it’s his legs.
For Lawrence, that only adds to the fun.
“I love chasing people,” Lawrence said with a laugh. “It’s going to be a challenge and I think we’re ready for any challenge up ahead. We’re going to continue preparing throughout the week and Sunday, show up.”
Seattle is a notoriously difficult place to play and there’s no denying that Smith is playing above the belt. This may be a tougher challenge for Lawrence and the Giants than many are anticipating.