New England Patriots: Lawrence Guy an underrated defensive stalwart
New England Patriots defensive tackle Lawrence Guy has been a solid performer for New England so far.
Lawrence Guy has played 8 years in the NFL since he came into the league from Arizona State. He has played 8 years in the league with 4 teams. He began to shine in Baltimore in 2015 and 2016 but he has excelled since joining the New England Patriots as a free agent in 2017.
When Guy came over from Baltimore in 2017, any Patriots fan who has any inclination to follow sports general management would have had to take notice. Not that Guy was a household name. He wasn’t. I certainly had no idea who he was.
But that pesky Ravens team had one of the best general managers in NFL history in Ozzie Newsome. So if he had success in Baltimore, you had to take note.
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I have to say a few words about Newsome. Newsome played for the Cleveland Browns. He was a terrific tight end for 13 years and was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After his playing days, Newsome remained with Cleveland in personnel and moved with the team to Baltimore.
In Baltimore, he became a legend. Again. This time as a general manager.
Among the players Ozzie drafted were Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis, and Ed Reed. Yes, they are all Pro Football Hall of Famers, as well.
About Ozzie Newsome, former GM Bill Polian (who himself is a member of the Pro Football Hall of fame) noted,
"“If Ozzie wasn’t already in the Hall of Fame as a tight end, they would be putting him in as a general manager,”"
Frankly, he should be there for both.
Lawrence Guy has excelled for the New England Patriots
Prior to New England, Guy had two good seasons for the Ravens. He is one of Bill Belichick’s best signings in years.
Guy’s career has flourished in New England. He just fit and had his best three seasons in the league for the Patriots. He’s been consistently good, and he seems to be getting better.
Guy racked up tackle totals of 58, 59, and 61 in his three seasons for the Patriots. Nice tackle stats for an interior defensive lineman. He has also had 5 sacks since coming to Foxborough with 3 coming in 2019. He’s clearly getting better.
Interestingly, former Patriot and now Detriot Lion Danny Shelton equaled Guy’s tackle and sack production in 2019. They totaled 122 tackles and 6 sacks between them. Nice numbers for interior defensive linemen.
New England will be faced with replacing Shelton’s production this year. It won’t be easy.
Life isn't 100 percent football for Bill Belichick. dark. Next
Guy is 30 years old and still has productive years ahead of him. His 4-year contract with New England will conclude after the 2020 season. Hopefully, there will be an extension in the works. Guy has been a very good player for New England. He deserves it.