This Guy could be big help on D-line
FOXBORO — During the course of his seven-year NFL career, Lawrence Guy has been the definition of a journeyman.
The defensive lineman was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2011 but released the following year after spending his rookie season on injured reserve. The Indianapolis Colts picked him up in 2012, and since then he has played for the then-San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, the Chargers again and the Ravens again. The Patriots signed him as an unrestricted free agent March 13, and the expectations, given his history, must be moderate.
However, albeit in a very limited sample size, most of Guy’s travels lately have landed him in the offensive backfield, disrupting plays on the ground and forcing would-be “sacks” on quarterbacks wearing non-contact jerseys in training camp.
On a defense that has shown a variety of looks so far, the 6-foot-4, 305-pounder appears adept at making plays no matter the scheme. Whether he’s a 4-3 defensive tackle or a defensive end in a three-man front, he’s been one of the more active members on a line that has mixed and matched personnel a fair amount. Primarily, he’s been with the first unit.
“I’ve been in the league a very long time,” Guy said. “So reading the playbook is just getting in it and picking up on it. Doesn’t matter how different it is.”
During yesterday’s joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars on the back fields at Gillette Stadium, Guy again was impressive. He combined with linebacker Harvey Langi on one “sack” of Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles, he teamed with fellow lineman Deatrich Wise for a run stuff on a goal-line drill, and he forced Bortles to throw the ball away near the end zone with some pressure from the interior.
With Alan Branch still on the physically unable to perform list, the Pats appear to have identified another quality defensive lineman. Guy feels like he’s already fit in with the rest of the unit in the meeting rooms, as well.
“It’s a great chemistry, and every day we keep building more and more,” Guy said. “The longer you’re with each other, the better the chemistry is, and I think we’re growing together as a true brotherhood.”
His growth on the field is already evident.
“I feel like I’ve had a good camp,” Guy said. “I want to come out here and compete. If it’s doing what I can on the field, making a play or not making a play, all I want to do is go out here, compete and do my assignment and make sure the team connects.”