Tag: Dexter Lawrence

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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Is T.J. Watt’s dominant start foreshadowing another D.P.O.Y award?

T.J. Watt’s 2024 campaign showcases dominance, aiming for his second D.P.O.Y. award with elite performances in his 8 games played.

T.J. Watt continues to prove week in and week out that he is a force to be reckoned with for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Whether he is sacking the quarterback, forcing a fumble, or stuffing the run, one thing remains certain—Watt is inevitable.

Watt’s 2024 resume speaks for itself. Through 8 games played, his four forced fumbles are tied for first, his ten tackles for loss are tied for second, his nine QB hits are tied for fifth, and his six and a half sacks are tied for ninth.

The former 2021 D.P.O.Y. winner is looking to build on this fantastic statistical output and put together an undeniable campaign to win the illustrious award for a second time.

DraftKings currently has Watt as the odds-on favorite to win the award through nine weeks, ahead of elite defenders such as Kansas City Chiefs’ DT Chris Jones, New York Giants’ DT Dexter Lawrence, Houston Texans’ EDGE Will Anderson Jr., and Detroit Lions Safety Kerby Joseph.

Can Watt achieve his second D.P.O.Y. award in 2024, or will his efforts result in him being snubbed once again?

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Giants-Commanders Week 9: Offense, defense and special teams snap counts

The New York Giants lost their Week 9 game against the Washington Commanders. Here are the snap counts on offense, defense and special teams.

The New York Giants couldn’t rally on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, falling to the Washington Commanders, 27-22.

The loss was a wasted effort for quarterback Daniel Jones, who had his strongest performance in front of hometown fans since January of 2023. He accounted for 228 yards and three touchdowns, and had a fourth called back on an egregious offensive pass interference call.

Five-plus dropped passes and an underwhelming defensive performance, coupled with questionable clock management, certainly didn’t help matters.

Here are the snap counts that contributed to the Giants’ Week 9 loss.

Offensive snaps: 65
Defensive snaps: 62
Special teams snaps: 22

Wide receiver Jalin Hyatt is back to being the forgotten man. He took just four offensive snaps in Week 9 and did not see a single target. With all the talk about trading Darius Slayton, perhaps general manager Joe Schoen should test the waters and see if he could get a JUGS machine or something in return for Hyatt.

Cornerback Deonte Banks, fresh off his Week 8 benching, took 100 percent of the defensive snaps and surrendered a nearly uncontested touchdown to Terry McLaurin.

Also on defense, the Giants used four different defensive tackles not named Dexter Lawrence on Sunday and all four were exposed when Sexy Dexy wasn’t on the field. The Commanders ran right at them every single time.

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Giants vs. Commanders: 3 reasons for optimism in Week 9

The New York Giants host the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon in Week 9, and here are three reasons for optimism.

The New York Giants will host the Washington Commanders on Sunday in Week 9, as they try to end their three-game losing streak.

The two teams will meet for the second time this season after the Giants dropped the first game against the Commanders, 21-18, back in Week 2.

Big Blue lost kicker Graham Gano early on due to roster management negligence and became the first team in NFL history to lose a game in regulation while scoring three-plus touchdowns and allowing no touchdowns.

The Giants remain four-point underdogs after opening up as 3.5-point home underdogs earlier this week.

Here are three reasons for optimism ahead of Sunday’s divisional game.

Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Favorable matchup for Giants’ offense

The last time these two teams met back in Week 2, the Giants scored three offensive touchdowns, something they have only done twice this season.

New York’s offense has struggled mightily over the last three weeks. However, Daniel Jones should be looking forward to playing a Commanders team which he has had success against in his career.

Luke Johnson-Imagn Images

Red zone defense

As it has been highlighted following the matchup in Week 2, the Giants were on the wrong side of history. The bad news is that the Commanders had their way getting down the field at will, never having to punt the first time these two teams met. The good news? The Giants’ defense buckled down in the red zone and did not allow a touchdown all game long.

The Commanders are 24th in the league in red zone (touchdown) offense and the Giants’ pass rush has been playing at an elite level as of late.

Greg Fiume/Getty Images

Giants pass rush

The Giants pass rush has been playing at a historic level and leads the league with 35 sacks and a sack rate of 13.31% ahead of Week 9. The individual leading the league in sacks? Nose tackle Dexter Lawrence.

Jayden Daniels was sacked five times back in Week 2, the highest sack total in his young rookie season. Daniels does a really good job at protecting the football but the Giants’ pass rush gives them a chance to limit the Commanders’ offense on Sunday.

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Giants sacking quarterbacks at a historic rate in 2024

The 2024 New York Giants are on pace to set a new NFL single-season record for sacks by a team.

The New York Giants plan to upgrade their pass rush this past offseason has been a success thus far. They are leading the NFL in sacks with 35 after eight weeks.

They are sacking the quarterback at a rate not seen in nearly a quarter of a century.

The Giants have 61 QB hits, tied with Baltimore for second in the league and two behind the league leader, Denver.

The Giants’ pass rush is led by interior lineman Dexter Lawrence, who leads the NFL with 9.0 sacks, and linebackers Azeez Ojulari (6.0 sacks) and Brian Burns (5.0).

Safety Jason Pinnock has three sacks and four other players — defensive lineman D.J. Davidson and linebackers Kayvon Thibodeaux, Bobby Okereke, and Micah McFadden — each have two.

The Giants are averaging 4.4 sacks per game. No other team is averaging over 3.9. The Giants are on pace for 74 sacks over the 17-game regular season.

The NFL record for team sacks is 72, set by the 1984 Chicago Bears. That was naturally over a 16-game season.

The Giants team record for sacks in a single season is 68, set back in 1985.

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Giants injury report: Tyrone Tracy Jr. advances in concussion protocol

New York Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. advanced in concussion protocol and has a chance to play against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

The New York Giants took the field on Thursday for their second of three practices ahead of a Week 9 game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium.

Beforehand, head coach Brian Daboll delivered a positive injury update, revealing that all but two players — punter Jamie Gillan and wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton — would return to practice.

Daboll also stated that rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. advanced in concussion protocol and would wear the red non-contact jersey.

“Trending in the right direction,” Daboll said.

In further good news, Daboll said there’s a strong chance veteran cornerback Adoree’ Jackson returns for Sunday’s game against Washington barring a setback.

“Good to go,” he said of Jackson

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

Did not participate: P Jamie Gillan (hamstring), WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles)

Limited participant: RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (concussion), CB Adoree’ Jackson (neck), CB Cor’Dale Flott (groin), CB Tre Hawkins (groin), OL Jake Kubas (abdomen), OL John Michael Schmitz (calf), LB Ty Summers (ankle), OL Joshua Ezeudu (knee), WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (ankle), OL Jon Runyan Jr. (foot)

Full participant: OL Jermaine Eluemunor (hip), LB Brian Burns (groin/biceps), LB Matthew Adams (knee), NT Dexter Lawrence (rest)

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