Tag: Dexter Lawrence

Giants’ Brian Daboll knows not everyone supports his decisions

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll is fully aware that his decisions are currently being questioned by some of his players.

Being a head coach in the NFL these days is not an easy job. In fact, it’s one where the stress level is very high and the survival rate is very low.

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll is learning that firsthand. In his third season on the job, Daboll’s regular-season record is 17-26-1 (2-8 this season), and his seat is beginning to get hot despite reassurances from ownership.

This week, Daboll had to finally make the decision to bench starting quarterback Daniel Jones, a move that was not a surprise given how the Giants’ season has unfolded.

Jones is basically done as a Giant and that may not sit well with some of his teammates. Jones is the longest-tenured player on the Giants roster along with wide receiver Darius Slayton and defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, who were also selected by the Giants in the 2019 NFL draft.

Lawrence said publicly that he feels Jones is the best quarterback on the team, calling Jones his ‘best friend’.

“(Daboll) just said it was a hard decision,” Lawrence said. “I’m sure it’s hard. He’s the QB1. To me, the best quarterback on the team. But they see things differently. I guess that’s all that matters.”

On Wednesday, Daboll spoke about the backlash over Jones’ benching.

“I got a lot of respect for Dex. Dex has been a teammate of Daniel’s for a while. There’s a pretty good relationship with there,” he told reporters. “Look, everybody’s not going to agree with the decision, and I understand that. We make the decision we feel is best and then we move forward and get ready to go for practice here.”

Daboll is certain there is no friction between him and Lawrence but understands why he feels the way he does.

“Dex and I have a good relationship, and I respect Dex a great deal. We were just talking a little while ago, not about that. But again, everybody’s going to have certain opinions. I got a lot of respect for all our players,” he said. “I think we’re focused, we’ll be focused, and do what we need to do to play our best against Tampa.”

Losing the locker room is a death knell for a head coach. Daboll was asked if he expects to lose the locker room if the team thinks he’s starting someone who’s ‘not as good’ as another option.

“No, I got a lot of confidence in our locker room. We got a close-knit group,” he said. “Obviously, not where we want to be with the record, but I have a lot of confidence in the players and the coaches and the chemistry that we have.”

The Giants have seven games remaining in this season. Jones is likely done even though the team hasn’t said as much. That decision will come on Friday.

Daboll is in a tough spot, though. If he continues to lose, he could be fired. If he wins too many games down the stretch, he could lessen the Giants’ chance at a top quarterback in next April’s draft.

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Giants injury report: Kayvon Thibodeaux designated to return from IR

The New York Giants have designated edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux (wrist) to return from injured reserve (IR).

The New York Giants returned to the practice field on Wednesday afternoon in preparation for a Week 12 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Before heading out into the unseasonably warm temperatures, head coach Brian Daboll took the podium to speak with reporters.

The good news is that linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux has been designated to return from injured reserve (IR) and had his 21-day practice window open. But Daboll expects him to return long before that, even indicating that he could play this Sunday.

“We’ll open up Kayvon’s window, so he’ll start, optimistic that he’ll be ready to go,” Daboll said.

All other players were expected to practice on at least a limited basis.

The Giants’ full Wednesday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: None

Limited participant: LB Matthew Adams (knee), WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles), TE Theo Johnson (back), NT Dexter Lawrence (knee), LB Darius Muasau (hamstring), S Tyler Nubin (back), LB Kayvon Thibodeaux (wrist), OL Greg Van Roten (abdomen)

Full participant: WR Darius Slayton (concussion)

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Jared Verse and two other superstars are the only NFL players to accomplish this in 2024

Jared Verse and two other Defensive Player of the Year candidates are the only players in the NFL who can say they’ve done this

Jared Verse isn’t going to win Defensive Player of the Year as a rookie this season, but he’s off to an unbelievable start with the Los Angeles Rams – a start that has him in the company of two legitimate contenders for the coveted award.

Through 10 games, Verse has 4.5 sacks, 42 sacks, 11 tackles for a loss and 14 quarterback hits, stuffing the stat sheet just about each and every week. Pro Football Focus has graded him highly throughout the year, ranking him as one of the better defenders in the league.

According to PFF, there are only three players in the NFL this season with grades of 80 or better as a pass rusher and run defender: Verse, T.J. Watt and Dexter Lawrence.

Verse has a pass-rush grade of 82.0 and a run-defense grade of 85.5, which rank 21st and 14th, respectively, among all defenders with at least 382 snaps.

Watt is the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year and Lawrence is tied for the third-best odds at BetMGM. Verse predictably isn’t even in the conversation because he’s a rookie who hasn’t racked up enough sacks for legitimate consideration, but he’s as well-rounded a defender as there is right now.

The Rams had high expectations for Verse when they drafted him 19th overall this year, but he’s been even better than anticipated through 10 games so far.

In a couple of seasons, he could be one of the top candidates to win Defensive Player of the Year the way Aaron Donald was early in his career.

Giants player blasts ‘weak’ demotion of Daniel Jones, calls it ‘trash’

Cracks are forming and New York Giants players are talking with one claiming the demotion of QB Daniel Jones was “trash” and “weak as —-.”

Cracks are beginning to form in the New York Giants’ foundation and players are starting to get a little loud.

On Tuesday, it was reported that general manager Joe Schoen is not well-liked among some players in the Giants’ locker room, particularly after his handling of cornerback Nick McCloud’s release.

There have also been some eyebrow-raising social media interactions with certain players “liking” comments made by ex-Giants running back Saquon Barkley and a curious comment made by wide receiver Darius Slayton, which he attempted to explain away.

While those issues are subtle, defensive captain Dexter Lawrence was anything but when asked about the benching of quarterback Daniel Jones.

“A little bit of confusion,” Lawrence said, via The Athletic. “(Brian Daboll) just said it was a hard decision. I’m sure it’s hard. He’s the QB1. To me, the best quarterback on the team. But they see things differently. I guess that’s all that matters.

“Teams lose games, not just one player, and I think that should be understood.”

Lawrence is not the only person who feels that way. An anonymous offensive player spoke with NFL insider Jordan Schultz and sounded off on the demotion of Jones.

“We’re not idiots. They did it because of money. So be it. But Daniel has been all class, never complained, and is now being completely disregarded. The team record is bad. You can point fingers everywhere,” the player said. “To try to blame him is trash, and making him third string is weak as (expletive).”

Schultz added that several other players have also expressed their “disappointment” in the decision.

The ship hasn’t sunk but it’s certainly taking on water. Once players begin to gripe — especially team captains — it’s nearly impossible to reel things back in.

Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are on the verge of losing the locker room and if that happens, there’s nothing co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch will be able to do to save them — even if that would be their preference.

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Giants’ Dexter Lawrence on Daniel Jones benching: ‘It’s tough’

New York Giants NT Dexter Lawrence is confused by the demotion of QB Daniel Jones, saying it’s “tough” to see his “best friend” benched.

The New York Giants have found themselves in a situation they never wanted to be part of. Head coach Brian Daboll had some positive momentum after his first season leading Big Blue, but he and general manager Joe Schoen have done nothing but go downhill ever since then.

In their latest bid to keep their jobs, Daboll and Schoen decided to move Daniel Jones to QB3. But instead of Drew Lock taking over, as many would assume given his signing this offseason, they are giving the nod to Tommy DeVito.

Even Giants fan favorite Dexter Lawrence is confused by the decision and doesn’t necessarily agree with it, although he says he will respect the team’s decision.

“You’ve got to respect it as a player even though you don’t like it,” Lawrence said, via The Athletic. “That’s my best friend. It’s tough for that to happen. I can’t control it. They made the decision based off their evaluations and their thoughts and feelings. … That’s my boy. As a player, you got to keep playing. As a human and as a brother, I feel for him.”

Sure, as a player, you have to respect the decision. You don’t really have a say in it anyway. Daboll and Schoen are your bosses in a sense and players don’t have much of a say in anything. And it likely is hard to watch someone you care about take the brunt of all criticism.

But Lawrence also said it was confusing; that no one really understood what happened.

“A little bit of confusion,” he added. “(Brian Daboll) just said it was a hard decision. I’m sure it’s hard. He’s the QB1. To me, the best quarterback on the team. But they see things differently. I guess that’s all that matters.

“Teams lose games, not just one player, and I think that should be understood.”

The lack of transparency from the administration to the players in this situation is just another indication of how far estranged the regime has become from the locker room.

Despite co-owner John Mara publicly standing behind Schoen and Daboll, it’s about time they got ahead of this problem and began distancing themselves from this regime. It’s not working, and the sooner ownership realizes it, the sooner this organization can move forward.

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Giants defense defined by one major strength, one major weakness

The New York Giants defense is sacking quarterbacks at a league-leading rate but are also poised to set an ugly NFL record.

One could argue the 2024 New York Giants defense has been a contraction of itself. They lead the NFL in sacks per game (3.6), which is one of the few pleasantries of this rocky season, and are sixth in red zone defense.

But they are deficient in other areas. Interceptions are one, for instance. They have just one pick over their first 10 games, tied for last in the league with Cleveland.

The Giants’ only pick has been by rookie linebacker Darius Muasau, not by any of the team’s talented young defensive backs. And that happened in garbage time of their Week 1 loss to Minnesota.

They have not picked off a pass since. That’s a total of nine games and they are now closing in on the longest interception drought in NFL history, per the New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy.

The 2017 Raiders defense set the modern NFL record (since 1933) by going 10 straight games — a span of 357 passes — without an interception, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

One year later, the 49ers and Cardinals each endured an eight-game drought that has been eclipsed by the Giants, who will return from this week’s bye trying to avoid tying dubious history on November 24 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

No one can pinpoint exactly why the Giants have not been picking off passes this season. Safety Tyler Nubin, who leads all NFL rookies in tackles, was touted as a ball hawk coming out of college. He has no interceptions. Another high draft pick, cornerback Andru Phillips, has been highly-rated this season but has also come up dry.

“It’s something we have to continue to work at. We have to find ways,” Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said.

“They’re just throwing good balls. We’re not getting to them. That’s the best way I can answer that,” nose tackle Dexter Lawrence said. “I think we need to create more (takeaways) to have the offense have a short field and not worry about driving a long field. It’s our responsibility to go get the ball, so that’s what we have to do.”

The Giants are 28th in the league in passes defensed (29) but have only allowed the 10th most passing yards. They have allowed 12 passing touchdowns, which has been the league average.

In a season of mysteries and inexplicable events that have gone against the grain, this one continues to perplex.

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Giants captain offers ominous quote on Brian Daboll’s messaging

New York Giants NT Dexter Lawrence says Brian Daboll’s message has to be “comprehended a little better” or maybe shared by “somebody else.”

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll continues to preach an “embrace the process” message to his locker room even after falling to 2-8 on the season following a humiliating overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 10.

“I’d say there’s certain things we’re doing better. The record isn’t what it needs to be. But we’ll go back and evaluate the things we need to do to finish up strong the last half of the season,” Daboll told reporters after the game.

This is not the message fans want to hear nor is it something they believe. However, defensive captain Dexter Lawrence still feels as if Daboll’s messaging is reaching players in the locker room.

“I think it is. Just has to be comprehended a little better. Yeah, I think it’s getting through,” Lawrence said. “It’s just critical moments, and we’ve got to understand what those critical moments are to be able to win and come out on top.”

But there is somewhat of a caveat, Lawrence admits.

“It’s annoying for sure. But I’m not in other people’s heads or brains,” he said. “Maybe it’s got to be communicated differently or got to hear it from somebody else.”

Communicated differently or by someone else…

To be clear, Lawrence is not calling for Daboll’s job but that still doesn’t reflect well on the head coach. It also doesn’t reflect well on the team’s leadership structure if the young locker room — one of the youngest in football — is failing to grasp the lessons that are being taught.

If Daboll and the team’s captains aren’t getting through to the younger players, the Giants have a very serious problem on their hands. And this isn’t exactly a one-off as Lawrence and linebacker Brian Burns have repeatedly said the players need to “grow up.”

Something is amiss in the Giants’ locker room and that starts at the top. If Daboll and his captains aren’t getting through to the majority of the roster, changes must be made — even if that’s not what Lawrence was suggesting.

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Giants’ Dexter Lawrence ready to feast in Germany

New York Giants NT Dexter Lawrence is seeking to feast both on and off the field during the team’s trip to Munich, Germany this weekend.

New York Giants nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, one of the NFL’s best players on one of the NFL’s worst teams, is looking forward to satisfying his palate this weekend in Munich.

The Giants will face the Carolina Panthers at Allianz Arena, the home of FC Bayern Munich, on Sunday and Lawrence will seek to get back on track against the NFL’s 30th-ranked offense.

Still, Lawrence is not taking the struggling Panthers lightly.

“They’re a pro team. They’re all here for a reason,” Lawrence said of the 2-7 Panthers. “They could be going through the same struggles that we go through. Whoever you play, you’ve got to take it seriously. You can get beat on any day.”

Lawrence has 9.0 sacks this season, second in the NFL behind Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson (11.0), and is hungry after the Giants were held sack-less against Washington last week.

He now faces last year’s top overall draft pick in quarterback Bryce Young, a player who has been slow to acclimate to the pro game but is not taking him for granted.

“He’s a little savvy guy,” Lawrence said of the former Heisman Trophy winner. “We’ve got to make sure we don’t give him a lot of space so he can make great passes. The running backs are running very hard. I know one of them just got an extension. Congrats. The O-line are big guys and like to get physical, so I’m excited for the matchup.”

Lawrence is also excited to sample the culinary fare that will abound in Munich. The 340-plus pounder does not get short-changed during meals and will be partaking in the local specialties.

“Probably just eating, trying some different foods,” Lawrence said when asked about his plans when the team gets to Germany. “I’m big into food. So, I’ll do some research when I get on the plane to see where I can go eat.”

He won’t be disappointed — on or off the field.

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Giants injury report: Darius Slayton out vs. Panthers

New York Giants wide receivers Darius Slayton and Bryce Ford-Wheaton are unlikely to play in Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers.

Editor’s note: Darius Slayton did not travel with the team to Germany and is officially out in Week 10.

The New York Giants took the field on Thursday for their second of three practices ahead of a Week 10 game against the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany.

Beforehand, head coach Brian Daboll delivered the unfortunate news that wide receivers Darius Slayton and Bryce Ford-Wheaton are unlikely to travel and will subsequently miss Sunday’s game against Carolina.

On the flip side of that coin, both kicker Graham Gano and punter Jamie Gillan continue to progress and are likely to suit up in Week 10. Gillan is all but guaranteed to play and Daboll says Gano has a strong chance.

The coach also revealed that offensive lineman Greg Van Roten should be “OK” to play on Sunday.

The Giants’ full Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: WR Darius Slayton (concussion), WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles), OL Chris Hubbard (illness)

Limited participant: K Graham Gano (hamstring), P Jamie Gillan (hamstring), TE Theo Johnson (knee/back), LB Ty Summers (ankle), NT Dexter Lawrence (NIR), OL Greg Van Roten (shoulder), LB Matthew Adams (calf), S Jason Pinnock (abdomen), LB Darius Muasau (hamstring)

Full participant: None

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Giants injury report: Graham Gano designated to return from IR

The New York Giants have designated kicker Graham Gano to return from IR, while WR Darius Slayton’s Week 10 availability looks grim.

The New York Giants returned to the practice field on Wednesday afternoon in preparation for a Week 10 game against the Carolina Panthers at Allianz
Arena in Munich, Germany.

Before heading out into the Spring-like weather, head coach Brian Daboll informed reporters that kicker Graham Gano had his practice window opened and suggested there’s a chance he would play on Sunday.

The news wasn’t nearly as positive for wide receiver Darius Slayton, who remains in concussion protocol and is behind where running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. was a week ago. Daboll said Slayton may not travel to Germany with the team.

“Not there yet. He could possibly not travel. We’ll see where he’s at,” Daboll told reporters. “That hasn’t been decided yet, but if he’s not progressing where he needs to progress, there’s a chance we could not travel him.”

Daboll also revealed that wide receiver and special teams ace, Bryce Ford-Wheaton, remains out with an Achilles injury.

Finally, punter Matt Haack, who had his contract terminated on Tuesday, has been signed to the practice squad. Cornerback Art Green has been signed from the reserve unit to the 53-man roster.

The Giants’ full Wednesday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: WR Darius Slayton (concussion), WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles), OL Greg Van Roten (shoulder), NT Dexter Lawrence (NIR)

Limited participant: K Graham Gano (hamstring), P Jamie Gillan (hamstring), TE Theo Johnson (knee/back), LB Ty Summers (ankle)

Full participant: None

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