Giants await matchup towards ‘huge brother’ Leonard Williams

Dexter Lawrence doesn’t know the precise proper time period, however Leonard Williams is akin to one thing greater than an enormous brother to him.

Sunday’s recreation towards the Seahawks will mark the primary time the Giants face Williams — and the second time they face Julian Love — since these two have been co-captains of their 2022 playoff staff.

Williams is the No. 7-ranked defensive sort out and Love is the No. 2-ranked security within the NFL, in keeping with Professional Soccer Focus.

Williams was traded to the Seahawks final October and re-signed on a three-year, $64.5 million contract to remain put. His seven quarterback hits after three video games (earlier than lacking Week 4 because of an harm) have been most within the league. 

The Giants used the second-round choose acquired within the Williams commerce as safety for dealing their very own second-rounder for Brian Burns. 

“He taught me mindset. He taught me to maintain understanding why I play the sport even by way of the arduous occasions,” Lawrence mentioned. “He helped me to develop up in methods. There’s rather a lot. That’s my dude.” 

Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux echoed that sentiment. 

“I discovered from Leonard methods to make the most of inside rushers, and he gave me some suggestions with understanding leverage and energy,” Thibodeaux mentioned. “If there may be anyone I need to mannequin my profession or legacy after, he’s positively a kind of guys. What he’s performed on the sphere, and he simply strives for happiness.” 

Lawrence and Williams performed facet by facet for all or components of 4 seasons, from when Lawrence was a rookie to when he turned the double-team-commanding game-wrecker of right this moment. 

“If Leo was right here, Dex continues to be going to get double-teamed. That’s the straightforward reply [to taking pressure off Lawrence],” line of defense coach Andre Patterson mentioned. “I loved [coaching] Leo. Super individual, nice soccer participant.” 

Love, who left the Giants as a free agent in 2023, made the Professional Bowl in his first 12 months with the Seahawks and earned a three-year, $33 million extension. He’s questionable to play Sunday. 

“He made such an impression on this constructing,” defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson mentioned. “Contract stuff occurs and guys come and go, however you continue to root for the man apart from after we play him.” 

Darius Slayton and Love have been the most effective Day 3 Giants draft picks in years — each within the 2019 class. 

“I’m glad he’s had all of the success he’s had,” Slayton mentioned. “He was a extremely good participant when he was right here. He’s continued to point out that when he went to Seattle. Clearly, I hope he performs terribly two days from now, nevertheless it’ll be good to see him on the market.” 

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Along with ruling out WR Malik Nabers (concussion), the Giants listed RB Devin Singletary (groin) as uncertain, and LB Matt Adams (quad), CB Adoree’ Jackson (calf) and CB Dru Phillips (calf) as questionable. 

Jackson and Phillips are “trending in the correct path,” head coach Brian Daboll mentioned, after lacking final recreation. Adams may make his season debut. 

Burns (groin) and WR Wan’Dale Robinson (heel) have been restricted in Friday’s observe. 

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Former first-round choose Evan Neal, who hasn’t taken a snap in a recreation but this season, nonetheless will not be cross-training at guard in observe. 

“I feel Evan is doing an incredible job of working on the proper sort out place and getting himself in place to assist the staff,” offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo mentioned. “He’s been doing additional [work]. I feel his pure place is sort out. You need to see what he can do, what he could be.”