It's clear there's frustration around the New York Giants' defense right now. After upsetting the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football in Week 6, the G-Men have lost two straight, and a lot of people are pointing the finger at defensive coordinator Shane Bowen and Big Blue's defense.
There's no hiding that this Giants' defense is loaded from top to bottom. Still, after allowing 33 points in the fourth quarter in a loss to the Broncos, with a run defense that looked nonexistent and their secondary exposed in New York's most recent loss to the Eagles, many people are concerned and unsure what to think.
One of those people is Giants legend and color analyst Carl Banks, who didn't hold back, sharing his thoughts on a specific defensive player on social media and on the "Bleav in Giants" podcast, prompting many Big Blue fans to think about what the future holds for their star nose tackle.
Giants legend Carl Banks rips Dexter Lawrence apart
Banks took to the "Bleav in Giants" podcast, which he hosts weekly with Giants broadcaster Bob Papa, where he said the quiet part out loud about star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
Banks addressed Lawrence's underwhelming performance thus far this season and stated, "Dexter Lawrence... No one respects you anymore. Nobody." He is referring to the fact that he was playing better before he suffered a dislocated left elbow in a Thanksgiving matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 13 last year, and that his opponents no longer take him seriously.
This is a pretty searing assessment of Dexter Lawrence from #Giants color commentator Carl Banks. Pulls zero punches.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) October 27, 2025
"Dexter Lawrence ... No one respects you anymore. Nobody."
Lawrence has 0.5 sacks & 4 QB hits in 8 games. He hasn't had a full sack since Week 7 of 2024 (Oct.… https://t.co/DnI6KSdBOk
Aside from a big interception in Week 4 against the Chargers, which was almost returned for a pick-six, Sexy Dexy has been very quiet this season, totaling just 0.5 sacks & four quarterback hits in eight games played. The Giants' captain has not had a full sack since Week 7 of the 2024 season.
Lawrence could easily be overshadowed by Brian Burns, who leads the NFL in sacks this year with 11 and looks like an early DPOY candidate; Kayvon Thibodeaux; and rookie Abdul Carter. Still, he has to play better if the G-Men want to start winning games.
Lawrence is very likable and has been a fan favorite since he arrived in New York in 2019, but this raises the question: Is he unhappy with the Giants, which could be leading to his down year? If so, what could his future look like with the franchise?