The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have faced a formidable slate of defensive fronts this season. In the weeks leading up to their bye, Todd Bowles’ team was put to the test by two of the league’s most daunting pass-rushers, Chris Jones and Nick Bosa, in consecutive matchups.
Although the Buccaneers face a new opponent this week, they will still have to contend with a high-caliber defensive standout. Dexter Lawrence, the Giants’ formidable defensive tackle, will be looking to disrupt the Tampa Bay offense and make life difficult for quarterback Baker Mayfield when the two teams clash on Sunday afternoon.
Dexter Lawrence has established himself as one of the most dominant interior defensive linemen in the league, boasting nine sacks, the second-highest total among all players and the highest among his peers. His impressive performance has earned him a grade of 89.8, the second-highest mark among interior defenders. As the Buccaneers prepare to face Lawrence and the Giants, limiting his impact will undoubtedly be a key focus for offensive coordinator Liam Coen.
“We have to be aware of him on every play. Run, pass whatever it is, we have got to have a plan for 97,” Coen said speaking to the media Thursday. “This is going to be a huge challenge for Graham and our interior line… I have a ton of respect for Dexter Lawrence and the player that he is.”
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The matchup against Dexter Lawrence will present another challenge for rookie center Robert Hainsey, who is expected to face Lawrence on nearly every snap. As a inexperienced player, Hainsey may be a prime target for the Giants as they seek to create pressure. However, the challenge extends beyond just Lawrence, as the attention he commands at the center of the line could create opportunities for the Giants’ other pass-rushers, Azeez Ojulari and Brian Burns, who have each recorded six sacks this season.
While much of the attention surrounding this matchup has focused on the Giants’ struggles and the benching and subsequent releasing of quarterback Daniel Jones, the actual game will be decided on the field. Specifically, the battle between the Giants’ defense and the Buccaneers’ offense. The line of scrimmage will be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of the game.
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