Is New York Giants Professional Bowl defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence able to fill the void left behind by the retirement of future Corridor of Famer Aaron Donald?
The sixth-year professional out of Clemson believes he may turn into the league normal at inside defensive position now that Donald has left the sector.
“Yeah, it might be (me),” Lawrence instructed reporters on Thursday when requested. “I’ve simply acquired to maintain working, engaged on my weaknesses and getting higher with my strengths. It took me abruptly truthfully. Look, 10 years is a very long time, however you recognize you anticipate extra issues like that, however he left the sport on high. Quite a lot of respect to him for what he introduced. There in all probability gained’t be one other one in all him. Quite a lot of respect.”
However first, Lawrence has to acclimate himself to a brand new defensive scheme, a brand new coordinator (Shane Bowen), and a few recent faces on protection — most notably linebacker Brian Burns, who mentioned he and Lawrence had been working nicely collectively and other people ought to put together for one thing particular.
“I believe it’s pure,” Lawrence mentioned. “Proper now, we’re not working video games or doing any of that and nonetheless dashing nicely. I believe it’s simply pure — simply understanding the sport. We’re two sensible gamers enjoying beside one another. We work alongside nicely with one another over there. I like him lots. He brings a unique dynamic to the road.”
By the way, Burns known as Lawrence ‘intelligent’ in his strategy to the sport not too long ago.
“What does that imply, sensible?” Lawrence mentioned with a sarcastic snort. “Yeah, like I mentioned, the data of the sport clashes nicely collectively. So, I believe that’s the place that begins.”
Lawrence mentioned the defensive items are working extra in live performance with each other, particularly on the subject of the move rush.
“It’s simply data bouncing off one another in every single place. It’s clearly lots of speaking. It’s loud in there. However it’s lots of good work. That’s the very best half about it,” he mentioned.
Dexter Lawrence says it’s been useful that #Giants D Linemen and Edge rushers are working collectively extra. Nonetheless have separate mtg rooms, however come collectively for mtgs too, which has been useful for cohesion. “We’re all listening to the identical issues, not being impartial contractors” pic.twitter.com/KRccZDO1p1
— Madelyn Burke (@MadelynBurke) Could 30, 2024
Lawrence is clearly the staff chief on protection however nonetheless strives to enhance. That realization has not prevented him from taking to the tutelage of his unit coach, Andre Patterson.
“Coach Dre sort of shifted my mindset a bit bit to work on issues that I wasn’t good at,” Lawrence mentioned. “That’s the following step into being higher. Kudos to him clearly, for serving to me take into consideration issues that I wasn’t essentially – you recognize, you go to your pure habits to do what you are able to do to enhance within the recreation. Extra instruments is what I’m doing.”
