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Giants’ Dexter Lawrence Fires Back at Announcer’s Critical Commentary: ‘He’s Delusional'
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- Giants’ Dexter Lawrence Fires Back at Announcer’s Critical Commentary: ‘He’s Delusional'
New York Giants All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence responded to Giants radio announcer Carl Banks' recent criticism, calling the two-time Super Bowl champion "delusional" during a Wednesday meeting with reporters.
Banks, himself a former All-Pro, said following the Giants' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles that opponents no longer fear Lawrence. The three-time Pro Bowler only has half a sack and one tackle for loss after recording nine sacks and eight TFLs in 12 games last year.
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"You're not making a difference," Banks declared . "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."
Reporters asked Lawrence about Banks' comments on Wednesday, four days before the 2-6 Giants battle the 5-3 San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium.
"Those are strong words," Lawrence said. "That's how he feels? [Expletive] it!"
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Banks also said that Lawrence, who is one of the Giants' five captains, has to "start expecting more" of himself.
"He's delusional," Lawrence replied.
Giants Star Dexter Lawrence Dismissed Any Injury Concerns
Lawrence disagreed with Banks' suggestion that last year's elbow injury could be impacting the star defensive lineman's play. According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan , Lawrence told reporters multiple times that he is not having any problems or lingering side effects.
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It is unclear whether Lawrence plans to meet with Banks within the coming days. Banks, a 2011 Giants Ring of Honor inductee, has been the team's radio color commentator since 2007.
"I mean, as an in-house guy, maybe it's like a coded message where he's trying to light a fire under Dex, you know what I mean?" linebacker and fellow captain Bobby Okereke said. "But for a guy who works in-house, it doesn't take much to find a guy and have a conversation with him one-on-one or get his phone number and call him."
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II is a three-time Pro Bowl selectionVincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Although Lawrence's counting numbers are down, he's still faring well analytically. Lawrence's 76.5 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).
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Lawrence has played 375 snaps, fifth-most among defensive linemen, and his 16 quarterback pressures rank 26th of 128 qualified players.
"Let's say this, I hope people start trying to disrespect me," he said. "Let's say that."
Lawrence and the Giants desperately need a victory over the 49ers on Sunday afternoon to remain in the playoff race. NFL Media gives the Giants a 2% postseason chance as of Wednesday night, though those odds would only increase to 3% with a win.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
