Giants Open Camp with Talk of Unity — But Dexter Lawrence Delivers the Real Message: Win or Else
Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll kicked off the Giants’ 2025 training camp by emphasizing their strong working relationship — a clear attempt to reshape public perception after a turbulent Year Three.
“It’s rough while you’re in it, but tough times bring you closer,” Daboll reflected.
Schoen echoed that: “Honest conversations and mutual respect keep things moving forward.”
But in Year Four, optics aren’t enough. The Giants need wins — and no one captured that urgency better than star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
“They hype up our D-line, but we haven’t proven anything,” Lawrence said bluntly. “We have to grind every day, get better, and push each other.”
That grounded truth set the tone for camp’s opening day. While Daboll officially named Russell Wilson the Week 1 starter, it was the defense that made the early statement in East Rutherford.
Rookie QB Jaxson Dart was welcomed with a pick-six on his first 11-on-11 pass, courtesy of defensive back Nic Jones. Deonte Banks broke up Wilson’s first target to top rookie Malik Nabers. Paulson Adebo added a pass deflection against Darius Slayton, and Wilson’s chemistry with Nabers started shaky — several misfires and a long wait before Nabers finally secured a catch.
Still, the offense showed signs of life late. Nabers found the end zone, and rookie TE Theo Johnson caught Dart’s first touchdown pass during live reps.
“We started off slow,” Nabers admitted, “but with Russ’s leadership, we found rhythm. I think we can be very explosive. We just need to clean up the mental mistakes — if we do that, the sky’s the limit.”
Health, though, remains a question mark.
Left tackle Andrew Thomas is still on the PUP list, and Schoen sounded cautious about his status: “We expect him to be ready for Week 1, but it’s day-to-day.”
Nabers, meanwhile, disclosed that the toe injury that cost him the spring may eventually require surgery — though he’s currently a full participant.
“There’s been some talk [of surgery], but nothing serious yet,” Nabers said. “The rehab’s been going well, and we have a good day-by-day plan in place with the staff.”
As for Lawrence, he’s focused solely on winning. Despite the rapidly inflating defensive tackle market — which has made his once-top-tier deal look outdated — Lawrence is staying locked in.
Now tied for 10th in salary among DTs after signing for $22.5M AAV in 2023, he hasn’t asked the Giants to revisit the deal.
“I haven’t even brought it up,” he said. “I just want to win. I know if I handle my business, the rest will come.”
Lawrence made it clear: success this season won’t come from hype, slogans, or good PR.
“If we want to chase the Super Bowl, we have to prep like it every day — train, recover, challenge ourselves like champions do,” he said. “Ask: what can I improve today? That’s how greatness happens.”
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