In a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Detroit Lions, the New York Giants watched helplessly as running back Jahmyr Gibbs bolted untouched for a 69-yard touchdown on the opening play.
The explosive run sliced right up the middle — where star nose tackle Dexter Lawrence typically anchors the defense. Lawrence’s inexplicable absence left a gaping hole, allowing Gibbs to scamper into the end zone unchallenged.
The Giants, unable to respond offensively, eventually fell on downs, dropping to a dismal 2-10.
Interim head coach Mike Kafka addressed the glaring decision postgame, defending the rotational choice amid Lawrence’s apparent injury battle.
“So, Dex is battling for us. He had a little nick with his — he got a little nicked for us. So, he was battling. He gave us everything he had for as many plays as we could possibly get him in there,” Kafka said. “But there was a management part of that to make sure we could maximize him in certain situations — third downs, things like that where his pass rush could be in effect. So, he wasn’t out there for that first down.”
Pressed on whether Lawrence would have returned had the drive extended, Kafka was unequivocal: “Absolutely. Yes, absolutely.”
Kafka revealed the injury’s timeline, noting it had simmered all game before worsening.
“So, he has just been battling it throughout the game. I think it kind of flared up again during the fourth quarter,” he said.
This wasn’t isolated. Earlier, on a crucial second-and-1, Lawrence was sidelined as Gibbs scampered for 49 yards. It’s become a troubling season-long pattern for Big Blue: Elite defenders like Lawrence are sidelined in pivotal spots, fueling fan frustration over load management clashing with game-day urgency.
As the Giants limp toward the finish, Kafka’s strategy raises tough questions about balancing health and heart. It’s something Giants legend Carl Banks railed about after the game.
If Lawrence was able to return later on that series, there was no reason for him to be on the sideline when it started. If you can play, play. If you can’t, don’t.
The Giants have a lot of problems, and now heart appears to be one of them.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants’ Mike Kafka explains Dexter Lawrence’s OT absence
Reporting by Dan Benton, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
