Ted Karras sends the NFL a stern reminder about new Bengals defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence
The Cincinnati Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence to complete their defensive line and dominate. Four practices into training camp, he’s already dominating his own teammates.
The Cincinnati Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence to complete their defensive line and dominate. Four practices into training camp, he’s already dominating his own teammates.
Center Ted Karras spent the first handful of days of training camp going head-to-head with the three-time Pro Bowl nose tackle. He’s seen enough to know what opposing offenses are in for this season.
“Better bring your [expletive] [expletive} when you’re going against Dexter Lawrence,” Karras said following Saturday’s practice, which was split between indoors and outdoors due to inclement weather.
Karras mentioned to reporters Lawrence has gotten the best of him at least once a day through the first four practices. Clips from media members on the ground back that up.
If this is a preview of what’s to come during the regular season, then respect is going to have to be paid to Lawrence.
Dexter Lawrence is out to prove the haters wrong
Cincinnati traded the No. 10 overall pick to acquire Lawrence before the 2026 NFL Draft, hoping to land the peak version of the dominant interior defender. Lawrence had been a force for the majority of his time with the New York Giants since being drafted in the first round of the 2019 draft.
Yet, when the Bengals made the deal and in the months since, the takes about Lawrence have been mixed. His production dipped last season relative to his own standards, leading to fans and analysts alike doubting if he’s still at the top of his game. League executives even dropped him six spots in ESPN’s top-10 defensive tackle rankings back in July.
The bar for Lawrence has inexplicably been lowered. Early signs from training camp show he’s well-positioned to exceed it, and then some.
Cincinnati envisioned this with Lawrence on their side
Many Bengals players have impressed through the opening stretch of camp, but Lawrence definitely stands out. He’s been powerful, quick off the snap, and disruptive against both the pass and run.
Lawrence has seemingly given Karras everything he can handle, and that’s saying something considering Karras is one of the most consistent pass-protecting centers in the league.
Karras’ early impressions should serve as a reminder, maybe even a warning, for the rest of the league. Lawrence may’ve had a relatively off year in 2025, but he’s still an absolute force to be reckoned with.