Giants’ Dexter Lawrence Fires Back: Is Carl Banks Losing Touch?

There’s nothing quite like a good ol’ Giants showdown—not just on the field but off it, too. This time, it’s about Dexter Lawrence firing back at a Giants great—Carl Banks—after Banks threw some seriously harsh shade over Lawrence’s recent performances. Banks, a two-time Super Bowl champ who wore the Giants jersey with pride through the ’80s and early ’90s, didn’t hold back during a recent podcast, claiming that the league’s respect for Lawrence has taken a nosedive post-injury. Now, if you know anything about NFL veterans, triggering a spicy war of words doesn’t come lightly. Lawrence, never one to bite his tongue, shot back with a blunt “delusional” aimed squarely at Banks, sparking a fresh debate on whether the current defensive tackle is really living up to the legacy or just fighting off double teams and scouts’ expectations. The saga only thickens as the Giants search for stability in a tough 2-6 season. For all the gritty backstory and fiery exchanges, you’re gonna want to dig deeper here. LEARN MORE

New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence called franchise legend Carl Banks “delusional” following comments from the retired linebacker about his recent play.

Banks, who played nine seasons with the Giants from 1984-1992 and won two Super Bowls, criticized Lawrence following the team’s 38-20 Week 8 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, saying that opponents around the league do not respect the two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler anymore.

“Dexter Lawrence, nobody respects you anymore. Nobody. Your opponents do not. The pre-injury Dexter is not there, in their heads. They don’t respect you,” Banks said his Bleav podcast with radio play-by-play announcer Bob Papa.

“There’s a difference. You’re on the field. They’re blocking you with a nine-year backup center. You’re not making a difference. The old Dexter would. There are a lot of things that go into your performance. Only you know what that is, whether you’re still recovering or not, I’m just telling you now I’m looking at enough tape to know that your opponents don’t respect you, not like they used to.

“Here’s the thing. When Darius Alexander gets in the game, when Roy Robertson-Harris gets in the game and they substitute for you, those guys are making plays against the same guys that are blocking you. I’m gonna just say this, again, I don’t know the circumstances. It’s time for you to start expecting more of yourself. 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 because they don’t respect you.”

Lawrence suffered a dislocated elbow during last year’s Thanksgiving Day game against the Dallas Cowboys and missed the remainder of the season. He has suited up for all eight Giants games this season and has recorded 20 tackles and 0.5 sacks.

“Those are strong words,” Lawrence said on Wednesday when asked about Banks’ criticism. “That’s how he feels? F— it!”

When asked if the criticism meant more coming from someone of Banks’ statue in the franchise, Lawrence said it didn’t.

“He’s delusional. His words are delusional.”

Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants in action against the Kansas City Chiefs at MetLife Stadium. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

(Sarah Stier via Getty Images)

Lawrence’s performance this season could have to do with him being double-teamed 74.9% of the time during pass rushes, a league high, according to ESPN. That number was similar in 2024 when he finished with 44 tackles and 8 sacks in 8 games, earning a third career Pro Bowl honor.

“I get a lot of attention,” Lawrence said. “Check the numbers. Check those numbers.”

Lawrence added that is elbow is not causing him any issues this season.

“I think I’m doing what I can when I get the opportunities,” Lawrence said. “ Numbers not everything, and I’ve been an advocate over that last year, the year before that, the year before that. I don’t think numbers indicate anything for real.

“I think the way I play is disruptive. If you ask people I play against, they’ll tell you the same thing, not people who’s talking.”

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Following Lawrence’s response, Banks told the New York Post, “I love Dex and will continue to support him and his teammates publicly,” adding he wishes the team success and that Lawrence “remains my favorite Giant.”

“I am a Giant and I wish them nothing but success,” Banks added. “If he is unhappy with me I am OK with that. It won’t change how I feel about him. Hopefully they will collectively ask more of themselves and finish strong. They have the talent to do so and I will be rooting for that to happen.”

The 2-6 Giants will look to snap a two-game losing streak in Week 9 against the San Francisco 49ers.

Lawrence is already moving on from the criticism and looking ahead.

“It don’t faze me, man,” Lawrence said. “I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing to get ready to win, that’s it.”