I don't know the exact word Dexter Lawrence, but Leonard Williams is more than a big brother to him.
Sunday's game against the Seahawks will be the first time the Giants have faced Williams and the second time against Julian Love. It's been since the two were co-captains of the 2022 playoff team.
Williams is the seventh-ranked defensive tackle in the NFL and Love is the second-ranked safety, according to Pro Football Focus.
Williams was traded to the Seahawks last October and re-signed to a three-year, $64.5 million contract in hopes of staying. After three games, his seven hits by a quarterback (until he missed Week 4 with an injury) were the most in the league.
The Giants used the second-round pick they acquired in the Williams trade as collateral to give Brian Burns their own second-round pick.
“He taught me how to think. He taught me to continue to understand why we play the game, even in difficult times,” Lawrence said. . “He's helped me grow in some ways, a lot. That's my guy.”
Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeau echoed that sentiment.
“Leonard taught me how to use interior rushers and gave me tips on understanding leverage and power,” Thibodeau said. “If there's anyone I want to model my career and accomplishments on, he's definitely one of them. What he's done on the field, and he's just striving for happiness.”
Lawrence and Williams played together for all or part of four seasons, from when Lawrence was a rookie to the double-team commander and game-destroying player he is today.
“If Leo were here, Dex would still be double-teamed. That's the easy answer. [to taking pressure off Lawrence]” said defensive line coach Andre Patterson. “It was fun [coaching] Leo. Great person, great football player. ”
Love, who left the Giants as a free agent in 2023, made the Pro Bowl in his first year with the Seahawks and was signed to a three-year, $33 million contract extension. It is doubtful whether he will play on Sunday.
“He's had a huge impact in this building,” defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson said. “Contract stuff happens, players come and go, but we're still rooting for that player except when we play him.”
Darius Slayton and Love were the Giants' best third-day draft picks in recent years, and both were players in the 2019 class.
“I’m glad he’s been successful so far,” Slayton said. “He was a really good player when he was here. He continued to show that when he went to Seattle. “Obviously, I hope he plays great in two days, but in the game It’s nice to see you.”
In addition to ruling out WR Malik Nabors (concussion), the Giants have listed RB Devin Singletary (groin) as questionable, as well as LB Matt Adams (quad), CB Adoree Jackson (calf), and CB Drew. Phillips (calf) is listed as questionable.
Jackson and Phillips are “moving in the right direction,” head coach Brian Daboll said after missing the last game. Adams could make his season debut.
Burns (groin) and wide receiver Wan Dale Robinson (heel) were limited in Friday's practice.
Former first-round pick Evan Neal has yet to play in a game this season, but he has yet to cross-train guards in practice.
“I think Evan does a great job of working in the right tackle position and getting into positions to help the team,” offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo said. “He has done extra things.” [work]. I think his natural position is tackle. You want to see what he can do, what he can become. ”
