Raiders Face Elite Giants DT Dexter Lawrence

After two straight losses, the Las Vegas Raiders look to get back on track as they welcome the New York Giants to Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.

The Raiders have struggled to move the ball this season, ranking last in the NFL in rushing yards per game. They rank 11th in passing yards per game as well and have the fewest plays of 20+ yards or more. It has been a struggle on the offensive side of the ball for the Silver and Black.

Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence coming to town will not help their case, either. Lawrence has been one of the most disruptive defenders in the NFL this season and is building a Defensive Player of the Year case for himself.

Lawrence has been a franchise cornerstone for the Giants since he was selected with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Clemson. Effective as both a run-stuffer and a pass rusher, the 6-foot-4, 342-pound nose tackle has been dominating offensive lines for the past four seasons.

Lawrence had a career season in 2022, posting 68 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and seven and a half sacks. He was named Second-Team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler, and earned a four-year, $90 million contract extension. He has continued to play at that level this season with 29 total tackles, three tackles for loss and three sacks.

What might be most impressive about Lawrence’s game is his ability to pressure the quarterback, as he has 44 total pressures, which is the most for a defensive tackle and puts him in elite company, including Raiders star Maxx Crosby.

The Raiders struggled to stop interior rushers against the Detroit Lions on Monday night, as defensive tackle Alim McNeill caused disruption and was consistently in the backfield.

Lawrence is one of the best defensive tackles in football, and the Raiders will need to be able to slow him down if they want to execute their game plan, which will be difficult against an interior rusher who can wreck an entire game.

While the Giants have struggled as a team this year, Lawrence is still playing like a star. The Raiders will have No. 97 circled on their game plan as a high priority player they need to watch for.

The Silver and Black will return to Allegiant Stadium to take on the New York Giants on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 4:25 p.m. EST/1:25 p.m. PST.