Giants LB Carter benched for missing walk-through, takes accountability post-game
Rookie linebacker Abdul Carter was benched for the opening series of the game against the Green Bay Packers due to missing a walk-through, raising questions about discipline and accountability within a struggling New York Giants team.
Why it matters: This incident underscores broader issues within the Giants organization as they grapple with a disappointing 2-9 record and have recently parted ways with head coach Brian Daboll.
The decision to bench a top-three draft pick reflects not only on Carter's professional development but also on the challenges faced by the coaching staff in instilling discipline in a team that has lost five straight games.
What’s new: Abdul Carter took responsibility for his actions after the game, stating, "Nonetheless that's on ME!"
Despite being sidelined temporarily, he returned to play every snap following his benching and recorded one tackle, one quarterback hit, and two pressures over 45 snaps.
Yes, but: Carter’s situation is complicated by his ongoing struggles with punctuality, which have been noted throughout the season.
He denied claims of sleeping through the walk-through, insisting instead that he was engaged in recovery work, revealing that the narrative around him may not fully capture his commitment to improving.
By the numbers: In his debut season, Carter has recorded only 0.5 sacks across 11 games, with several potential sacks negated by penalties.
This statistic highlights the pressure he faces as a rookie in a demanding position, especially when tasked with stepping into the role previously held by injured star Kayvon Thibodeaux.
What to watch: Moving forward, Carter’s ability to maintain consistency both on and off the field will be crucial for his future with the Giants.
As the team navigates a tumultuous season, how he responds to this setback could significantly impact his growth and the organization’s rebuilding efforts.
The bottom line: While Carter's talent remains evident, his path to becoming a cornerstone of the Giants’ defense will require both personal accountability and improved conduct moving forward.
Given the franchise's recent instability, his performance and professionalism will be closely monitored as the Giants look to establish a new culture under current head coach Mike Kafka.
