Ted Karras sends strong message about Bengals star Dexter Lawrence

Aug 3, 2026, 12:27 PM CUT

New York Giants defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence 97 talks with media during training camp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. /CSM East Rutherford United States - ZUMAc04_ 20250723_zma_c04_146 Copyright: xDuncanxWilliamsx

Dexter Lawrence hasn't played a regular-season snap for the Bengals yet, but he is already making life difficult for an offensive line. Surprisingly, this one is Cincinnati's instead of other NFL teams.

Veteran center Ted Karras has been matching up with Lawrence throughout training camp, and after Saturday's practice, he made it clear just how tough the battle has been.

"“Better bring your f****** shit when you’re going against Dexter Lawrence.” Ted Karras being tested daily against the stud DT. Karras compared it to going up against the 2016 Patriots in practice," analyst Mike Petraglia posted on X on August 1.

Browns Dexter — New York Giants vs Detroit Lions DETROIT,MICHIGAN-NOVEMBER 23: New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II 97 is seen during the second half of an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the New York Giants and the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, November 23, 2025 Detroit Michigan United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xJorgexLemusx originalFilename:lemus-newyorkg251123_npl8P.jpg

After seven years with the New York Giants, Lawrence arrives with the experience of 109 games and 30.5 sacks, alongside 103 QB hits in his NFL career.

Lawrence arrived in Cincinnati as one of the team's biggest offseason additions, and Karras believes his presence is already making everyone around him better.

"Probably the best nose tackle in the last 30 years," Karras described Lawrence earlier this offseason, according to Cincy Jungle's Anthony Cosenza on August 1.

He even compared the challenge of facing Lawrence in practice to the demanding session he experienced during his years with the New England Patriots, where competition was just as intense, according to Cincy Jungle.

If that level of competition continues throughout camp, both sides of the ball could benefit long before the regular season begins.

Is Dexter Lawrence already changing the Bengals defense?

Dexter Lawrence arrived in Cincinnati with high expectations after the Bengals acquired him in exchange for the 10th overall pick.

While his production on the field will ultimately define the move, his impact is already being felt inside the locker room.

"Really, just a lot of it has been like him sharing his knowledge with the defensive tackles," Defensive lineman Myles Murphy told FOX19 on July 31. "It correlates to everyone on the D-line just getting off blocks in general. So I mean, it's been huge to have him as like another coach in a sense. So yeah, I think it helps all of us."

Lawrence has built his reputation over years of dominating in the trenches, but Murphy believes his biggest contribution goes beyond physical talent, according to SB Nation.

The Bengals won't truly know the full impact of the trade until the regular season begins, but Lawrence has already established himself as one of the leaders on Cincinnati's defense.

Can Dexter Lawrence transform the Bengals' defense this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote