New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) after intercepting a pass during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Dexter Lawrence's career first helps Giants earn Week 4 win

By Conor Killmurray | Last updated Sep 28, 2025 6:40 PM ET

New York Giants star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II was conspicuously absent from the highlight reel through the first three weeks of the season. In Week 4, though, Lawrence made one of the best kinds of highlight plays — a big man interception and run.

Dexter Lawrence's first-ever interception key to Giants' first win

The 342-pound 27-year-old tipped Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's pass into the air, kept his concentration, and caught the ball before taking off. According to Next Gen Stats, Lawrence hit 17.35 MPH on the 37-yard interception return.

Adding to the impressive feat, he's the first lineman over 340 pounds to have an interception return of more than 30 yards since 2007, per NFL researcher Tony Holzman-Escareno. However, Lawrence's interception return on Sunday was just the second fastest speed of his career.

Lawrence hit 17.51 miles per hour in a chase down against the Minnesota Vikings during Week 5 of his rookie season in 2019. Still, the Giants lost that game to the Vikings 28-10, whereas on Sunday, the Giants got their first win against the previously undefeated Chargers.

Dexter Lawrence reached a top speed of 17.35 mph on his 37-yard INT return, the second-fastest speed of his career.

Lawrence hit 17.51 mph in Week 5, 2019 on a chase-down play against the Vikings.#LACvsNYG | #NYGiants pic.twitter.com/xsgPOJmwY0
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 28, 2025

While Lawrence couldn't get into the end zone for the pick-6, his interception and overall play were instrumental to the Giants' 21-18 victory. Even with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart energizing the team and running for a 15-yard touchdown on his first career drive as a starter, the offense still stalled out at key moments.

Big Blue's defense stepped up in key moments to get the offense great field position. Following Lawrence's interception, the team made a chip-shot field goal. In the second half, Giants' cornerback Andru Phillips picked off Herbert and returned it for 56 yards.

The Giants' defensive line recorded two sacks on the day and constantly made Herbert uncomfortable. If the Giants are actually going to turn their season around, it will have to come from the consistent success of Lawerence and the rest of the pass rush.

Conor Killmurray

Conor Killmurray is a long-suffering fan of New York sports, particularly the Giants and Mets—a potent combination for heartbreak, if you ask him. He graduated from West Chester University with a degree in English and enjoys searching for the most interesting sports stories to write about.

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