The New York Giants have done quite a bit of losing since nose tackle Dexter Lawrence was selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft.
Except for a rare playoff appearance and postseason victory in 2022, all Lawrence has known at the NFL level is losing. And now two weeks into the 2024 regular season, the team is once again 0-2.
For Lawrence, it’s all too familiar and he’s tired of it.
“Personally, I’m pissed because I hate losing with a passion. I take that hard, losing. I really don’t like it,” Lawrence told reporters on Wednesday. “For me, it’s just something that I’m not going to keep accepting. I want to see this team grow and be as good as we put on throughout the week in practice. It’s just that one day. That Sunday or that Thursday or whatever day. We’ve got to show up.”
With the Cleveland Browns coming up on Sunday, Lawrence is champing at the bit to get back on the field.
“I was ready today,” he said. “It sucks you’ve got to wait a whole week just to get back on the field after a tough loss like that. I enjoy the process. I know I’m going to do everything I’ve got to do to get myself ready to play.”
As a team captain, Lawrence intends to lead by example. He wants the entire team to share his disdain for losing and then do something about it when the games count, not just in practice.
Based on what he’s seen this week, Lawrence has faith and confidence they will.
“I think a lot of guys do have (that same mentality). You see it this week. Trying to do more to prepare better. Keep growing that confidence that everybody needs,” he said. “I am convinced. That’s why I have confidence in us. We’ve just got to show up on Sunday. That’s the biggest message. Build that confidence throughout the week to show up on Sunday.”
The Giants had better show up on Sunday. If they lay another egg and fall to 0-3, the season is all but over before the calendar even hits October.
