Giants Legend Carl Banks Inspires Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence, a top-tier interior defensive lineman in the NFL, is struggling this season with the Giants starting off at 2-6. Carl Banks, a Giants legend, has raised concerns that opponents may not see Lawrence as a significant threat anymore, particularly following his elbow injury last season.
“Dexter Lawrence, no one respects you anymore. No one,” Banks stated on his podcast “Bleav in Giants.” He shared these thoughts after the Giants’ recent defeat against the Eagles. Banks pointed out that opponents are blocking him differently now, as the player pre-injury seems to be forgotten. “Your past self doesn’t exist in their minds. It’s like you’re facing a five-year backup center. You’re not making an impact. The old Dexter would have done that,” he continued. Banks emphasized that only Lawrence knows what’s affecting his performance, whether it’s lingering effects from the injury or something else. He concluded with a blunt observation: “You’ve watched enough tape to realize opponents don’t respect you like before.”
Interestingly, backup guard Brett Toth, filling in for the injured Cam Jurgens, faced Lawrence during the game, but Lawrence wasn’t put in one-on-one situations. Banks pointed out that other interior linemen, like Darius Alexander and DJ Davidson, faced the same opponents as Lawrence yet managed to make their presence felt.
“It’s about time you start expecting more from yourself,” Banks advised Lawrence. “I’m not sure if it’s an injury holding you back or if you’re completely healed. But it’s time for some self-reflection.” It seems like a pivotal moment for Lawrence, who, in the previous season, celebrated a career-high nine sacks in just 12 games, earning a third consecutive Pro Bowl selection before his injury. This year, though, he has only managed half the sacks he achieved in just eight games, along with only one tackle for loss and four quarterback hits.
Lawrence was selected in the first round by the Giants back in 2019 and recently signed a hefty four-year contract extension worth $90 million, which will keep him with the team until 2027.
