Giants defensive line coach Andre Patterson defends Dexter Lawrence amid Carl Banks' comments
Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is introduced before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 9. Credit: Ed Murray
At the end of a week of scrutiny of Dexter Lawrence, Giants defensive line coach Andre Patterson on Friday gave an impassioned five-minute defense of his nose tackle.
“The film don’t lie,” Patterson said before practice. “He played 40 plays [against the Eagles on Sunday]. In 40 plays, he got double-teamed 29 times, that’s run and pass. So how is that being disrespected? You get double-teamed 29 times, that’s showing respect.”
Patterson was responding to criticism from Carl Banks, the Giants’ current radio analyst and former star linebacker, on a podcast. Banks said Lawrence no longer is respected because opponents give him less blocking attention than in the past.
Lawrence had nine sacks last season and has a half-sack this year. On Wednesday, Lawrence called Banks’ take “delusional.”
“All Dex can do is go out there and be Dexter,” Patterson said. “All the other stuff that’s happening around doesn’t mean anything. It’s not going to help us win. All it can do is help us lose, because it puts our focus in the wrong place.”
Notes & quotes: The Giants’ secondary is in dire straits for Sunday against the 49ers. Both starting cornerbacks are out, Paulson Adebo with a knee injury and Cor’Dale Flott with a concussion. Cornerback Art Green (hamstring) also is out. Safety Jevon Holland (knee) and cornerback Rico Payton (groin) are questionable. The Giants figure to rely on cornerbacks Deonte Banks and Korie Black . . . Offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (pectoral) and tight end Daniel Bellinger (neck) are doubtful . . . Quarterback Mac Jones will start for the 49ers.
Neil Best first worked at Newsday in 1982, returned in 1985 after a detour to Alaska and has been here since, specializing in high schools, college basketball, the NFL and most recently sports media and business.
