First, Dexter Lawrence’s coaches suggested that he become a dominant player for the Giants.
Then Lawrence’s numbers suggested it.
Now an opponent is saying it.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers praised Lawrence during his weekly appearance on The Pat McAfree Show. The irony is that Rodgers referred to Lawrence by his unique number and not his name.
“Number 97 is a quality player and probably needs more recognition for his ability,” Rodgers said. “I’m talking to our inner three [offensive linemen], they sure think he’s one of the top guys in the league. And he played really well for them.”
Lawrence contributed five tackles and a sack in the Giants’ 27-22 win over the Packers. The sack threw Green Bay out of field goal range and forced a punt that led to the Giants’ game-winning touchdown drive.
Aaron Rodgers, Dave Shopland/Shutterstock
Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale unlocked Lawrence by allowing him to be a pass rusher rather than a block eater so others could break free. Lawrence has 17 pressings, three sacks (career best is four) and is the No. 5 defensive tackle in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus.
Dexter Lawrence Bill Kostroun
Martindale last week described Rodgers as a “python” who will bite if you let go of your guard and don’t realize he’s as dangerous as ever. The compliment was returned after the Giants set up a second-half shutout against the Packers.
“I have a lot of respect for Wink. I think he’s a fantastic coach,” Rodgers said. “They have a good scheme, they have really good players. They are aggressive, they follow you. They had edge pressure, they had overload pressure, they had empty pressure. They threw a lot at us and I thought we held up pretty well. … They play really well together and fly to the ball.”