New York Jets’ tight ends fear they have awoken the beast within Carl Lawson
Before New York Jets defensive end Carl Lawson sets out on a quest to terrorize opposing blockers for 17 games throughout the 2022 season, he is striking fear in the hearts of his own teammates, who have to block him on a daily basis in practice.
Jets tight end C.J. Uzomah poked some fun at Lawson through a Twitter post on Monday, comparing a snapshot of Lawson to an “Evil Minion” from the Despicable Me film franchise.
“Let’s play spot the difference with @carllawson55 … A real life #EvilMinion”, Uzomah tweeted.
I mean, let’s be honest here – Uzomah nailed this one.
Let’s play spot the difference with @carllawson55
A real life #EvilMinion pic.twitter.com/yLL5051R0J— CJ Uzomah (@cj_uzomah) August 15, 2022
But Uzomah’s fellow tight end, Tyler Conklin, did not approve of the roast.
“Why you trying to piss this man off before we gotta block him,” Conklin jokingly replied, accompanied by a laughing emoji.
Why you trying to piss this man off before we gotta block him😂
— Tyler Conklin (@T_Conk1) August 15, 2022
Uzomah agreed with Conklin’s skepticism, replying, “I need to get these tweets checked before I post em from now on…”
I need to get these tweets checked before I post em from now on…😂😂 pic.twitter.com/DLUwGdAvxZ
— CJ Uzomah (@cj_uzomah) August 15, 2022
Uzomah is very familiar with how difficult it is to handle Lawson. This is the pair’s seventh season as teammates. They spent four seasons together with the Cincinnati Bengals (2017 to 2020) and two collegiate seasons with the Auburn Tigers (2013 to 2014).
Conklin and Uzomah appeared in the Jets’ preseason opener against Philadelphia last Friday, but Lawson was held out of the game by head coach Robert Saleh for precautionary reasons.
While Lawson has been a full participant in practice after recovering from his season-ending Achilles injury suffered in August 2021, Saleh is playing it safe with the 27-year-old edge rusher. Saleh says Lawson was “pissed” that he did not get to play.
Robert Saleh says Carl Lawson was "pissed" he didn't get to play on Friday.
Saleh says he decided to sit Lawson and C.J. Mosley to let them clear the emotional hurdle of playing. pic.twitter.com/vIA7UbcQoy
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) August 14, 2022
The Jets’ next preseason game will take place next Monday at 8 p.m. ET, when the Atlanta Falcons pay a visit to MetLife Stadium.
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I know this was a light-hearted article, but something bothers me.
I’ve read/heard accounts that Lawson didn’t know he wasn’t playing against the Eagles until shortly before the game and, as this article states, he was “pissed”.
If true, then I have a problem w/ the communication. Does Saleh have too much on his plate?
Communication matters w/ the current generation of players (see Aaron Rogers draft day surprise).
Lawson should have known DAYS in advance, not hours.