Giants await matchup against ‘big brother’ Leonard Williams

Dexter Lawrence doesn’t know the exact right term, but Leonard Williams is akin to something more than a big brother to him.

Sunday’s game against the Seahawks will mark the first time the Giants face Williams — and the second time they face Julian Love — since those two were co-captains of their 2022 playoff team.

Williams is the No. 7-ranked defensive tackle and Love is the No. 2-ranked safety in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.

Williams was traded to the Seahawks last October and re-signed on a three-year, $64.5 million contract to stay put. His seven quarterback hits after three games (before missing Week 4 due to an injury) were most in the league. 

The Giants used the second-round pick acquired in the Williams trade as security for dealing their own second-rounder for Brian Burns. 

“He taught me mindset. He taught me to keep understanding why I play the game even through the hard times,” Lawrence said. “He helped me to grow up in ways. There’s a lot. That’s my dude.” 

Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux echoed that sentiment. 

“I learned from Leonard how to utilize interior rushers, and he gave me some tips with understanding leverage and power,” Thibodeaux said. “If there is anybody I want to model my career or legacy after, he’s definitely one of those guys. What he’s done on the field, and he just strives for happiness.” 

Lawrence and Williams played side by side for all or parts of four seasons, from when Lawrence was a rookie to when he became the double-team-commanding game-wrecker of today. 

“If Leo was here, Dex is still going to get double-teamed. That’s the easy answer [to taking pressure off Lawrence],” defensive line coach Andre Patterson said. “I enjoyed [coaching] Leo. Tremendous person, great football player.” 

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

“He made such an impact in this building,” defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson said. “Contract stuff happens and guys come and go, but you still root for the guy other than when we play him.” 

Darius Slayton and Love were the best Day 3 Giants draft picks in years — both in the 2019 class. 

“I’m glad he’s had all the success he’s had,” Slayton said. “He was a really good player when he was here. He’s continued to show that when he went to Seattle. Obviously, I hope he plays terribly two days from now, but it’ll be nice to see him out there.” 

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

Jackson and Phillips are “trending in the right direction,” head coach Brian Daboll said, after missing last game. Adams could make his season debut. 

Burns (groin) and WR Wan’Dale Robinson (heel) were limited in Friday’s practice. 

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Former first-round pick Evan Neal, who hasn’t taken a snap in a game yet this season, still is not cross-training at guard in practice. 

“I think Evan is doing a great job of working at the right tackle position and getting himself in position to help the team,” offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo said. “He’s been doing extra [work]. I think his natural position is tackle. You want to see what he can do, what he can be.”