Giants Continue Slide as Rookie Linebacker’s Discipline Draws New Scrutiny

The New York Giants’ season took another discouraging turn Monday night as they absorbed a 33–15 defeat to the New England Patriots, extending their losing streak to seven games. New England seized control early behind rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who directed the Patriots to a decisive 31–7 halftime lead while the Giants struggled on both sides of the ball.

Compounding the on-field issues was a familiar off-field storyline involving linebacker Abdul Carter, whose immense talent has frequently been overshadowed by concerns about professionalism. For the second time in three weeks, the rookie was benched to start the game for disciplinary reasons — a pattern previously seen in Week 11.

Carter offered little explanation in the postgame locker room, brushing off the incident with a blunt response that conveyed visible frustration. The moment underscored the tension surrounding his development in a season that has spiraled to a 2–11 record.

Despite the growing scrutiny, Giants leadership signaled a willingness to stay patient. General manager Joe Schoen addressed the matter publicly, aiming to temper outside criticism and maintain organizational confidence in the young defender.

1. Leadership Pushes Back on Concern

Schoen emphasized Carter’s intelligence and insisted the rookie understands both the expectations placed upon him and the consequences of his decisions. He framed the situation within the reality that many NFL newcomers are barely past their 21st birthdays and are adjusting to the challenges of the league under the intense public glare of New York. The GM described player development as a non-linear process, characterized by inevitable mistakes and learning curves. While acknowledging that setbacks are part of the equation, Schoen said the organization remains committed to guiding Carter through them. Reports from the sideline indicated the benching was a coaching decision, further elevating questions about communication and accountability within the team. Schoen’s remarks, however, suggested a desire to keep the issue in perspective rather than escalate internal tensions. The Giants’ hope is that time, structure, and experience will narrow the gap between Carter’s immense potential and the consistency required of a foundational defensive player.

2. Performance Shows Promise and Limitations

Although Carter’s night began with a disciplinary setback, his on-field play showed flashes of the impact the Giants believe he can deliver. He recorded a sack and a pair of tackles, reminders of the explosiveness that made him the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft. Still, the inconsistency that has defined his rookie season remains evident. The team continues to see a player capable of dynamic moments but still searching for the steadiness needed to anchor an NFL defense. Advanced metrics support the mixed picture. According to Pro Football Focus, Carter carries a strong 75.0 pass-rush grade, reflecting his ability to generate pressure. However, his run-defense grade sits at 47.1, ranking near the bottom among qualifying linebackers — an indicator of both technique issues and processing speed. As the losses mount, the Giants increasingly rely on young players like Carter to show they can be part of the long-term core. His production remains promising, but the refinement required is substantial.

3. Expectations Growing for a High Draft Pick

With the weight of being a top-three selection, Carter entered the season facing expectations of becoming a cornerstone defender. The Giants envisioned a disruptive force capable of reshaping their defensive identity, but the first-year results have been uneven. The combination of disciplinary matters and variable play has put added pressure on both the rookie and the coaching staff to accelerate his growth. New York’s leadership insists that patience is part of the plan, but the organization also recognizes the urgency of developing its premier draft investments. The current trajectory underscores how steep the adjustment can be when transitioning from college star to NFL starter. Carter’s challenge now is connecting professionalism with performance, ensuring he becomes a player whose habits match his physical gifts. New York’s late-season stretch will offer further opportunities for the rookie to stabilize his role, demonstrate maturity, and close the year on an upward trend.