After being traded from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals, Dexter Lawrence has made it to the team facilities. There, he’s immediately making a big impression on his new teammates.
One of those teammates is offensive tackle Amarius Mims. When asked about their meeting, Mims was quick to joke about just how big and strong Lawrence immediately proved to be.
“I met him last night,” Mims said. “Went to dinner last night. I just shook his hand, and I’m a big dude. So, I shake his hand and I’m like, ‘Alright, big guy shake hands, kind of bring it in, like’ [he demonstrated the handshake]. I went backwards.”
“I’m like, ‘Oh, man. Alright, alright.’ He’s a dude too,” Mims added. “So, I’m like, ‘Man, I’m happy he’s here.’ I’m glad we’re teammates and like I said, I feel bad for the opposing offensive lines more than us. We’ve got to practice against him. Don’t get me wrong. So, he can do some damage there, but I’d much rather be his teammate than go against him. I’m happy he’s here. We’re all excited about him, just trying to get better every day until the season starts. So, let’s get to work.”
If there’s one thing Mims is right about, it’s that he’s a big man, standing at 6’8″ and 350 lbs. So, if Lawrence is pushing him back with a handshake, it’s safe to say he can move a lineman in action.
Ja’Marr Chase Also Shared His Reaction to the Cincinnati Bengals Trading for Dexter Lawrence
GettyFormer New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence
Amarius Mims isn’t the only Bengals offensive star who recently shared their thoughts on adding Dexter Lawrence. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase would also get in on the action.
Following reports of the trade, Chase posted a video to Instagram that showed celebratory dancing. Clearly, he was happy with the move.
After years of the Bengals lacking aggression, this trade was proof that they’re willing to make big moves. The hope is that the excitement around it extends from players like Chase to quarterback Joe Burrow, especially as it should help put a better product on the field year in and year out.
Amarius Mims was Given a License to Kill
GettyCincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Amarius Mims
If iron sharpens iron, then Dexter Lawrence is going to make Amarius Mims work in practice. That’s a good thing, though, as the Bengals are hoping that he can take another step in his development as a tackle.
Offensive line coach Scott Peters would love to see that, in particular. Mims has been a focus of his this offseason, especially in his intensity. That’s why Peters recently gave him a license to kill on the field.
“Total domination. It’s license to kill. I mean, seriously. I said last year, you’ve got to be greedy about how good you could be. Because, you know, there’s very few humans walking planet Earth that have the potential and the talent, really the talent that he has, and has the makeup that he has, the ability athletically, the physical stature, the size, the power, the strength, the movement skills, and for him, it’s time to really kind of let the world know,” Peters said.
“He’s got a license to kill. Hey, you know, sometimes when you’re a big guy growing up, everybody tells you, ‘Hey, don’t break anything. Hey, Amarius, break something man, let’s go. It’s time to go. You can push the limit. Man, we want to see what you can do.’ So he’s starting to see that, and I think that for him, just watching his ability shine through, and that’s when the game becomes a lot of fun for him.”
If Mims can reach his potential ahead of the season, it would go a long way to helping Burrow get back to the top of his game. Pair that with an improved defensive line, and the Bengals should be in business in the AFC North.
Bengals Lineman Amarius Mims Had a Hilarious Reaction to Meeting Dexter Lawrence