Dexter Lawrence is the tone setter for the New York Giants defensive unit.

Amid an incredible individual season, Lawrence is focused on getting his team back on track as the season progresses. As a leader, if that means bringing up something that shouldn’t be happening (e.g. a player watching games), he’s more than willing to say something.

Lawrence spoke to the media Thursday before the Giants Monday Night Football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Here are some things the two-time Pro Bowler had to say.

Lawrence talks about Deonte Banks’ lack of hustle

“This is not acceptable. He knows it. We brought it up and this is the kind of thing. We don’t accept it as a defense.”

How do the Giants prevent something like this from happening in the future?

“When you see it, you speak up. I think this is the first time something like this has happened. So we took care of it and now everyone knows it’s not acceptable.”

Is Lawrence thinking about the possible Defensive Player of the Year award?

“Honestly, I don’t know. My focus is honestly on winning. I will continue to do what I can to help us win. I show this every Sunday and Thursday, or this week, Monday, when I go out there. That’s the most important thing. If I play well, my team has the best chance of winning, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Lawrence’s thoughts on Steelers linebacker TJ Watt

“He’s elite. He’s going to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.”

What makes TJ Watt elite?

“The way he attacks the game. He keeps it simple; I find. He doesn’t impress you with too much. His moves are flashy, but he doesn’t impress with too many different moves or anything like that. He just knows how to play football and I think that’s the most important thing.”

About John Mara’s support from Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen

“I think it’s important. It’s hard to build a culture when you’re constantly recycling, and you have to start over again, over and over again. I think they’re doing a good job, you know, of getting the right people here. This is probably the best team I’ve been a part of since I’ve been here. We just have to find a way to do it on Sunday. I respect Mr. Mara for saying that because they work hard and have the right people here. We just have to show up as players and play.”

What is the current message for this Giants team?

“The message is: Why not? Why can’t we streak? Why can’t we go running? That’s the belief factor that the leaders and players have here. I think we’re close. I think in times like these you have to grow even closer together and that’s what we do. We have good days in training. We are competing here. Good days in meetings and more meetings. I don’t think it will break us up.”