Giants’ Dexter Lawrence Defends Daniel Jones Amidst Demotion: ‘He’s the Best Quarterback on the Team’
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has vehemently criticized the team’s decision to demote quarterback Daniel Jones, expressing unwavering support for his close friend and teammate.
In a post-practice interview, Lawrence voiced his displeasure with the move, stating, “I don’t agree with the decision at all. Daniel Jones is the best quarterback on this team. He’s been playing well, and we’ve been winning games with him as our starter.”
Jones, who led the Giants to a 2-2 record in his first four starts this season, was benched in favor of veteran Mike Glennon for the Week 5 game against the Green Bay Packers. The move came as a surprise to many, as Jones had shown signs of progress under new head coach Brian Daboll.
Lawrence, who has formed a close bond with Jones off the field, believes the demotion is a mistake. “Daniel is a leader on this team,” he said. “He’s respected by his teammates, and he’s always giving 100%. I don’t understand why they would make this change.”
The defensive tackle also praised Jones’s intangibles, highlighting his toughness and determination. “Daniel is a fighter,” Lawrence said. “He’s not going to give up, no matter what. He’s going to keep working hard and prove to everyone that he’s a winner.”
Lawrence’s comments reflect a growing sense of frustration within the Giants’ locker room over the demotion. Several players have expressed their support for Jones, including wide receiver Sterling Shepard and running back Saquon Barkley.
The Giants’ offense has struggled since Jones’s benching, scoring only 21 points in two games with Glennon under center. The team’s record has also fallen to 2-4, leaving them in last place in the NFC East.
It remains to be seen whether Jones will regain his starting job. However, Lawrence’s unwavering support is a testament to the quarterback’s character and the respect he has earned from his teammates.
Background and Context
Daniel Jones was the Giants’ first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He has shown flashes of potential during his time in New York, but has also struggled with consistency and injuries.
The Giants hired Brian Daboll as their new head coach in January 2022. Daboll has a reputation for developing quarterbacks, having worked with Josh Allen in Buffalo and Tua Tagovailoa in Miami.
The Giants’ offense has been one of the worst in the NFL this season, ranking 31st in total yards and 30th in scoring.</ Jones has been sacked 22 times in six games, the most in the league.
Statistical Comparison
Here is a statistical comparison between Daniel Jones and Mike Glennon in 2022:
| Daniel Jones | Mike Glennon | |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 4 | 2 |
| Passing Yards | 923 | 391 |
| Touchdowns | 6 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 2 | 1 |
| Sacks | 22 | 5 |
| Passer Rating | 84.4 | 78.4 |
As the statistics show, Jones has been more productive than Glennon in terms of passing yards, touchdowns, and passer rating. However, he has also been sacked more often.
Conclusion
The Giants’ decision to demote Daniel Jones has been met with mixed reactions. Some believe it is a necessary move to jumpstart the offense, while others believe it is a mistake to bench the team’s most talented quarterback.
Only time will tell whether the Giants made the right decision. However, Dexter Lawrence’s unwavering support for Jones is a reminder of the quarterback’s character and the respect he has earned from his teammates.