New York Giants 2025 first-round pick Abdul Carter made the news again on December 1, as he was benched for the second time this season to start the game against the New England Patriots.
After the blowout loss on national television, Carter had two words for the coaching staff’s decision, telling ESPN’s Jordan Raanan: “[Expletive] happens.”
Raanan added that “basically, it sounds like [Carter] was late [to a meeting] again.” And that this is the “second time [he was] disciplined in three weeks.”
Needless to say, this benching trend and Carter’s blunt response are both a bit concerning. The Penn State pass rusher was billed as a potential generational talent before the Giants selected him third overall, but he has been anything but so far.
On a night when Carter would have normally been leaned on with Kayvon Thibodeaux sidelined, the rookie rode the pine for the entire first quarter, watching the Giants get pummeled by the Patriots’ offense. That is not ideal.
Giants Interim Head Coach Mike Kafka & Abdul Carter Address Benching After Patriots Loss
Following the game, interim head coach Mike Kafka called Carter’s second benching another coach’s decision. Reiterating “repeatedly” that it was his decision, per Raanan.
Unfortunately, with the way the game started, the score was already 17-0 by the time Carter took the field.
“I guess you can say [getting used to life as a professional has been an adjustment],” Carter replied to a question on that subject. “But I’m not going to use that as an excuse. Like I said, I have to be better. I have to take pride in what I do, be where I have to be at. Simple as that.”
Although this answer was much better than the “[expletive] happens” response, actions speak louder than words.
Carter has been credited with just 1.5 sacks and 1 tackle for a loss, according to Pro Football Reference. He does have 13 QB hits and 17 QB pressures, per this site, but Carter’s year-one impact has been minimal at best.
Granted, it’s okay to have your rookie struggles when you’re working as hard as you can to get better. But when you’re getting disciplined more than once for being late to meetings and not showing a real enthusiasm to improve, that’s a problem.
Winning culture doesn’t just happen overnight. Players have to buy in and want to foster and develop that culture.
Right now, Carter isn’t doing that. Yes, he’s a rookie, but he’s also a top-three pick. That comes with a responsibility to promote change, and so far, Carter is showing he’s just more of the same.
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