Carl Banks, a legendary analyst for the New York Giants, has once again voiced his criticisms regarding the team, this time focusing his attention on cornerback Deonte Banks—not related—during a recent episode of the “Bleav in Giants” podcast.
While Banks previously stirred controversy by expressing concerns about fellow player Dexter Lawrence’s performance, his latest comments about Deonte have sparked discussions and garnered less support from teammates. Carl described the rookie’s performance as troubling, particularly during a crucial moment in a recent game against the Minnesota Vikings. He noted, “If you were to stand on that field and watch pregame warmups and you had never seen Deonte Banks a day in your life, you’d be like, ‘This guy is a motherf–ker.’ He’s big, he’s strong, he moves well. Lights come on and he just plays whatever the f–k he wants to do.”
In the disappointing 16-13 loss to the Vikings, Deonte Banks, drafted in the first round of 2023, struggled during pivotal moments, including a third-and-17 play against star receiver Justin Jefferson that resulted in a 21-yard gain on the game-winning drive. His performance has raised questions about his readiness for the pressures of the NFL, particularly after he failed to tackle effectively against running back Aaron Jones, allowing an easy first down.
This isn’t the first time Carl Banks has been vocal about the team’s struggles. Just two months ago, he questioned Dexter Lawrence’s commitment to excellence, stating a noticeable drop in the respect opponents had for him. “Dexter Lawrence, nobody respects you anymore. Nobody,” he lamented. This tough love approach also extended to rookie Abdul Carter, whom he criticized after being benched due to discipline issues.
Carl Banks’s forthright commentary continues to provide insight into the current challenges facing the Giants, revealing the urgency for players to step up their game. As a respected figure within the organization, his feedback might serve as a wake-up call for the team, encouraging improvement and accountability as they strive for success in the remainder of the season. The hope remains that, with constructive criticism, players can turn things around and build a more cohesive and competitive unit moving forward.