Defensive Lineman Dexter Lawrence II
September 18, 2024
Q: Question about the defense in Week 2…
DEXTER LAWRENCE II: Like you said, we were on the field a long time. We didn't do well tackling. We didn't stop the run well. And the penalties on third down. We won a lot of first and second downs, but those third downs really got us.
Q: What do you put your finger on?
DEXTER LAWRENCE II: Bad tackling and penalties.
Q: Two games certainly does not make a season. How do you expect your team to respond in Cleveland?
DEXTER LAWRENCE II: I think our response was Monday, Tuesday, and today so far. I think we responded well. Coming out ready to practice today. Coming in Monday, lifting and watching tape on the game. I think our mind is in the right spot. And that's all we can control right now is how we approach each day and our attitudes.
Q: You have not been here for a New York minute, you've been here for a while. You know the fans and they're frustrated right now. What's your message to them?
DEXTER LAWRENCE II: It's going to get better. Right now, it's just rough. These two games, you can't compare this season to last season. It's a whole new team. A lot of new players. A couple new staff. It's just a little growing pain through these first two weeks. I think the way the players control… how we control our minds and our body languages and our attitudes each and every day it can only be promising from there.
Q: Why do you believe in your team?
DEXTER LAWRENCE II: Because I know the guys we have in here. I know the leaders. I think it starts with us, getting guys ready to go. Just go out there and be ready for one day. We're really preparing all 364 days a year to be ready for Sunday. I think the biggest thing is come in ready Sunday and win it.
Q: What do you want to see out of your defense Sunday?
DEXTER LAWRENCE II: Better tackling. Great communication. And just guys doing their one-eleventh.
Q: What do you make of the tackling? Why do you think it was an issue?
DEXTER LAWRENCE II: We just missed them.
Q: You said that you trust the leaders in this room, and I know different guys like different coaching. Some want a kick in the butt. Are you angry, are you frustrated after a loss like that? How do you react? What's the motivation that you give to the other guys on the defense?
DEXTER LAWRENCE II: Personally, I'm pissed because I hate losing with a passion. I take that hard, losing. I really don't like it. For me, it's just something that I'm not going to keep accepting. I want to see this team grow and be as good as we put on throughout the week in practice. It's just that one day. That Sunday or that Thursday or whatever day. We’ve got to show up.
Q: Do you want to see guys with that same mentality you have? That you're pissed and angry?
DEXTER LAWRENCE II: I think a lot of guys do have that. You see it this week. Trying to do more to prepare better. Keep growing that confidence that everybody needs.
Q: How much are you excited to just get back on the field after these first two games?
DEXTER LAWRENCE II: Yeah, I was ready today. It sucks you've got to wait a whole week just to get back on the field after a tough loss like that. I enjoy the process. I know I'm going to do everything I've got to do to get myself ready to play.
Q: Are you convinced that your teammates are all doing their one-eleventh?
DEXTER LAWRENCE II: I am convinced. That's why I have confidence in us. We've just got to show up on Sunday. That's the biggest message. Build that confidence throughout the week to show up on Sunday.
Q: When (inside linebacker) Bobby (Okereke) talked after the game about having to do other jobs and that kind of thing, do you relate to that as well?
DEXTER LAWRENCE II: I don't know what exactly that meant.
Q: Do you take solace in the way you guys played in the red zone?
DEXTER LAWRENCE II: Yes. That's just about as good as red zone play as you can play, 0-6. That's a positive, but it's not a positive getting down there six times.
