Dexter Lawrence gave New York Giants fans a thrill on Sunday when the veteran defensive tackle nearly found the end zone in a 21-18 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
The former Clemson standout picked off Justin Herbert late in the first quarter, rumbling 37 yards before the Chargers’ quarterback dragged him down just shy of the goal line. At 6-foot-4 and 340 pounds, Lawrence flashed surprising speed on the return, reaching 17.35 miles per hour according to Next Gen Stats.
Had he scored, it would’ve been the ultimate “big man touchdown”, and his teammates were already celebrating as if it might happen. Instead, New York’s offense finished the job, helping the Giants secure a tight win.
Now in his seventh season, Lawrence has become one of the league’s most consistent defensive linemen. He’s earned three straight Pro Bowl trips and was on track for another All-Pro nod last season before an elbow injury cut his year short. Even in 12 games, he posted career highs with nine sacks and eight tackles for loss.
Across his career, the 27-year-old has piled up more than 300 tackles and 30 sacks since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2019.
Meanwhile, another former Tiger was making headlines on Sunday. Trevor Lawrence helped guide Jacksonville to a 21-18 upset win over the Chargers, giving Clemson fans plenty to smile about with two of their NFL stars making big plays.
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