“He’s the QB1”: Dexter Lawrence expresses confusion over Daniel Jones benching, calls him Giants’ best QB | NFL News – Times of India

The New York Giants‘ recent decision to bench quarterback Daniel Jones in favor of Tommy DeVito has stirred mixed emotions within the locker room. Dexter Lawrence, the All-Pro defensive lineman and a team captain, expressed his perspective on the matter, shedding light on the mood among players following the surprising announcement. Following the announcement, which came amidst a disappointing 2-8 record, Lawrence acknowledged the difficulty of the decision.

Giants defensive leader expresses disappointment with Daniel Jones benching

Speaking at a charity event, Lawrence referred to Jones as his “best friend” and acknowledged the emotional toll of the decision. “That’s my boy. As a player, you got to keep playing. As a human and as a brother, I feel for him,” he shared. Lawrence emphasized that the move, which came amid a disappointing 2-8 season, was difficult to accept but ultimately respected by the players.
The announcement, delivered by head coach Brian Daboll, left some players confused. “Because you don’t know their full thoughts behind it,” Lawrence remarked, pointing out the challenges of staying focused amidst such changes. He emphasized the importance of trusting the coaching staff and avoiding distractions, saying, “You have to be naïve and trust the process.”
“(Brian Daboll) just said it was a hard decision,” Lawrence added. “I’m sure it’s hard. He’s the QB1. To me, the best quarterback on the team. But they see things differently. I guess that’s all that matters.”

Jones, who entered the league alongside Lawrence as part of the Giants’ 2019 draft class, has faced significant struggles in recent seasons. Despite signing a four-year, $160 million deal after a promising 2022 campaign, injuries and inconsistent performances have plagued his tenure. Meanwhile, Lawrence, who also secured a lucrative extension, has excelled, boasting nine sacks this season, the second-highest in the NFL.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Lawrence reminded fans that “teams lose games, not just one player.” The Giants’ record of 24-44-1 during Jones’ time as the starter underscores the broader challenges faced by the franchise.
With DeVito now stepping in, Lawrence expressed optimism for the young quarterback. “He has probably the most charisma and confidence I’ve ever seen in a third-string quarterback. That’s good. I respect him for that,” Lawrence noted, highlighting DeVito’s self-assured demeanor as a key strength.
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As the Giants prepare to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team is tasked with navigating this transitional phase while maintaining unity. For Lawrence, his friendship with Jones remains steadfast, even as the team adjusts to a new offensive leader. The Giants’ ability to rebound from their tough start rests on trust, resilience, and the leadership of figures like Lawrence, who continue to uphold their commitment to the team both on and off the field.