Introduction

The New York Giants are facing a challenging season, and it seems the tensions are rising between past and present players. Recent comments from Giants legend and radio broadcaster Carl Banks about defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence have ignited a heated response from the three-time Pro Bowler.

Banks' Criticism and Lawrence's Response

During the latest edition of the Bleav in Giants podcast with Big Blue play-by-play commentator Bob Papa, Banks expressed his disappointment in Lawrence's performance for the 2025 season, suggesting that "nobody respects" the former Clemson standout. This criticism comes as Lawrence's stats reflect a significant drop compared to his previous seasons. So far, he has managed just one half-sack, four quarterback hits, and 20 tackles over eight games, a stark contrast to his impressive nine sacks and 44 tackles in the 2024 season.

When asked about Banks' remarks, Lawrence did not hold back, calling the two-time Super Bowl winner "delusional." He made it clear that he is aware of the expectations and his past performances, which have sadly not translated into similar success this season.

Injury Impact and Future Outlook

It's worth noting that Lawrence has faced immense challenges since suffering a dislocated left elbow during a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys last season. This injury sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign, and he has continued to see consistent double teams—61.2% of his pass rushes this season, the highest percentage among players with over 200 pass rushes. The Giants' defense, while tested, has struggled to replicate the effectiveness of previous seasons, leaving fans wondering if Lawrence can regain his dominant form.

As the Giants sit at 2-6, they look ahead to a tough schedule with five consecutive games against opponents with winning records. How Lawrence bounces back from the criticism and challenges of the season will be crucial, both for his individual success and for the team's chances of turning their season around.

Conclusion

Only time will tell if Lawrence can silence critics like Banks and lead the Giants back to prominence. The next few weeks will be a pivotal period for the defensive tackle and the entire Giants organization.