Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor just dropped a quote that’s going to haunt quarterbacks’ dreams after what he saw from defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II. We’re talking about a play so wild, so unbelievable, Taylor wants to “freeze-frame that, take a picture of it, blow it up and put it in the room somewhere.” Why? Because in their Week 5 win against the Dolphins, Lawrence pulled off a first-quarter sneak stop on Malik Willis, and Taylor’s take on it was absolutely classic: “it’s like a giant flying squirrel, jumping over the top of the center, which was, it would be terrifying if you were playing quarterback back there. A squirrel, yeah.”
“Yeah, a Giant Flying Squirrel!”
Imagine standing under center, about to execute a sneak, and suddenly a 340-pound “flying squirrel” is launching over the line to shut you down. That’s exactly what Willis faced, and it perfectly encapsulates the kind of disruptive force Lawrence has become for the Bengals. The sheer audacity of the move, captured in Taylor’s words, tells you everything you need to know about the guy. This wasn’t just some run-of-the-mill tackle; this was a highlight reel moment that’s got coaches wanting to frame it. The Bengals took down the Dolphins 31-24 on the road that Sunday, pushing their record to 3-2, and plays like Lawrence’s are a massive reason why they’re getting those W’s.
Sexy Dexy is Here to Stay (And Terrorize)
Lawrence isn’t just a one-hit wonder with a crazy leap. This dude is a legitimate game-wrecker. He’s racked up 14 tackles, nine solo, and three sacks so far this season, constantly drawing double teams because opposing offenses simply can’t handle him one-on-one. You know he’s a problem when even CBS studio analyst Kyle Long is talking about Steelers offensive lineman Mason McCormick having to grab Lawrence’s leg and lift it off the ground just to try and contain him in Week 3. And get this: Steelers receiver DK Metcalf even got into a brief skirmish with Lawrence and yelled at him. The man lives rent-free in opponents’ heads!
Beyond the field, Lawrence brings serious swagger. His “Sexy Dexy” dance is already legendary, showing up during introductions at Paycor Stadium in Week 1 against Tampa Bay. He was miked up for their Week 2 win against Houston, giving fans a glimpse into his personality. This isn’t just a tough player, it’s a charismatic one. Remember how he joined the Bengals? They traded the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Giants for him. An AFC executive even told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that the Bengals were “especially savvy” with that move. And they were, extending him for one year at $28 million, freeing up nearly $5 million in cap space. Talk about a steal!
With Lawrence playing like this, opposing offensive lines have a serious problem on their hands. Keep an eye on what “Sexy Dexy” does next, because it’s going to be must-watch TV.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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