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Perhaps the most brutal takedown involving New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence in Sunday’s blowout loss to the rival Philadelphia Eagles came not from the Eagles, but from Giants legend Carl Banks. To say that Banks criticized Lawrence, a two-time second-team All-Pro selection, is putting things lightly. Banks ripped into Lawrence on his “Bleav in Giants” podcast following the Giants’ disappointing 38-20 loss. The Giants have allowed 30 points in consecutive outings, and Lawrence has only managed half a sack through eight games. “Dexter Lawrence, nobody respects you anymore. Nobody,” Banks told co-host and Giants radio play-by-play announcer Bob Papa. Banks, himself a former All-Pro linebacker, specifically criticized Lawrence’s performance against Eagles center Brett Toth, who is typically a backup guard. However, Cam Jurgens’ knee injury pressed Toth into the starting center role, and he more than held his own against Lawrence. “You’re not making a difference,” Banks vented. “The old Dexter would. There are a lot of things that go into your performance; only you know what that is. … I’m looking at enough tape to know that your opponents don’t respect you, not like they used to.” Lawrence had not addressed Banks’ comments at publication. Banks, a 2011 Ring of Honor inductee, has been the Giants’ radio color commentator since 2007. What’s Wrong With Giants Star Dexter Lawrence? Banks acknowledged Lawrence’s slow start could result from last year’s dislocated elbow. At the same time, that’s not good enough for Banks, especially not after Lawrence signed a four-year, $90 million contract extension in May 2023. “It’s time for you to start expecting more of yourself,” Banks said. “I don’t know if you’re injured, I don’t know if you’re fully recovered, but it’s time to start asking more of yourself.” Interestingly, Pro Football Focus isn’t as down on Lawrence as Banks is. Lawrence’s 81.1 PFF grade ranks 10th among defensive linemen, and his 89.9 PFF grade last year trailed only Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones (90.2) and Pittsburgh Steelers veteran Cameron Heyward (90.1) among defensive tackles. However, two-time Super Bowl champion Chris Long recently argued that PFF isn’t an exact science. Banks has watched every snap Lawrence has taken this season live, so his input and analysis are arguably far more valid.
