Firing head coach Brian Daboll didn't solve the New York Giants' problems overnight; far from it, to be quite frank. Chief among the club's lingering concerns is rookie outside linebacker Abdul Carter's buy-in, or lack thereof.
For the second time in three games under interim head coach Mike Kafka, Carter was on the bench for the Giants' first defensive drive. The bold lineup move reportedly has nothing to do with talent or health and everything to do with work ethic -- again.
The Monday Night Football broadcast confirmed that Carter's absence for the start of the Giants' 33-15 loss to the New England Patriots was a "coach's decision." Draft pedigree and immense skills aside, his poor habits continue to rear their ugly head. He was getting away with it when Daboll was at the helm, though it's clear Kafka and the organization are growing impatient.
Brian Daboll firing didn't solve Giants' massive Abdul Carter problem
On3's Richie O'Leary revealed that Carter was late to another meeting and would be punished accordingly. That news came the day before the Giants hosted the Patriots, though it didn't gain much traction until it was too late.
Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post added that Carter missed two series against the Patriots "for missing all/part of a team responsibility." This being a repeat offense is a concerning development that suggests the 2025 No. 3 overall pick isn't committed or believes in his peers.
Nevertheless, Carter must learn how to be a professional, which is an eye-opening problem; he didn't have any motor questions entering the league. The Giants are trying to nip this in the bud with discipline, reminding him there are consequences for his actions.
Kafka and New York's front office are ostensibly trying to send a message to Carter that Daboll reportedly wasn't. Ensuring the young pass rusher focuses and operates to his lofty potential both on and off the field is crucial for the rebuilding Giants.
For whatever it's worth, Carter was seemingly fueled by being held out early in the Giants' defeat to the Patriots. He recorded the first full sack of his career almost immediately upon entering the contest. That's what Big Blue Nation has expected from him since Day 1 and surely hopes that's a sign of what's to come moving forward.