Anyone who's followed Dexter Lawrence throughout his incredible NFL career knows he's not one to pout or take shots/point blame at anyone. Many also see him as this 6-foot-4, 340-pound menace who swallows up opponents at will. However, that's far from how the New York Giants' star defensive lineman is off the field.
Lawrence is known for being a ginormous, bubbly teddy bear; he's always laughing and smiling despite his physically imposing stature. So, it shouldn't fall on deaf ears when the two-time All-Pro speaks bluntly about someone, which seldom, if ever, happens.
Giants fans know Lawrence has gone through trying times during his tenure, though he may have finally reached a breaking point. His exasperation following the club's 33-15 Week 13 loss to the New England Patriots was palpable, albeit little to do with the final score.
Perhaps the biggest topic of conversation postgame was Giants rookie outside linebacker Abdul Carter being benched to start for a second time in three contests. Lawrence was among those asked about the reported "coach's decision," and he didn't hold back.
Dexter Lawrence gets brutally honest about Abdul Carter's second benching
Coddling and cosseting Carter is seemingly over in Lawrence's eyes. That hasn't worked, so the latter hit the former with some tough love rather than a media-trained, cookie-cutter response (h/t Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post).
"Just grow up, really. I think [Carter] loves football, and he takes it serious. His approach to the game is really good. Just young stuff that can’t happen."
The immature things that Lawrence is referring to are Carter's well-chronicled failure to take practice seriously at times, let alone show up. Falling asleep during or missing walkthroughs and skipping out on a "team responsibility" are unacceptable and disrespectful to the rest of the locker room.
Moreover, Lawrence acknowledged that it's "definitely frustrating" to see a "hard-headed" Carter ostensibly not learning from his mistakes. No one is above the team. If other Giants players can be timely and focused, including accomplished veterans like "Sexy Dexy," there are no excuses.
It's clear that Lawrence is trying to send a message to his promising young running mate. Nevertheless, Carter's glaring lack of accountability puts all parties involved in a bind.