Rookie CB makes first career interception and key tackles
Deonte Banks, the rookie cornerback for the New York Giants, had a stellar performance in the team’s 14-7 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday. He recorded his first career interception, which set up a touchdown drive for the Giants, and made two crucial tackles on third down to prevent the Commanders from scoring in the fourth quarter.
Banks, who was drafted 24th overall by the Giants in the 2023 NFL Draft, showed his speed, physicality, and confidence on the field. He held the Commanders’ star receiver Terry McLaurin to zero catches in the first half, and had the coverage on him on the final two plays of the game.
After the game, Banks was not shy about expressing his feelings towards the Commanders, who passed on him in the draft and selected cornerback Emmanuel Forbes instead. Forbes, who was picked 16th overall, had a quiet game and was beaten by Giants receiver Kenny Golladay for a touchdown.
Banks unleashes NSFW tirade on Commanders
In a post-game interview, Banks unleashed a profanity-laced rant on the Commanders, saying that they made a mistake by not drafting him and that he wanted to make them pay for it.
“I don’t give a f— about them. They didn’t want me, so f— them. They took that other dude over me, and he ain’t s—. He got cooked today. I’m the best corner in this draft, and I proved it today. They can suck my d—,” Banks said.
Banks also said that he had extra motivation to play well against the Commanders, who are the Giants’ division rivals and have a history of bad blood with them.
“It’s personal, man. It’s always personal with them. They’re a bunch of b—-es. They talk a lot of s—, but they can’t back it up. They’re soft as hell. They don’t want none of this smoke. We’re the kings of this division, and we’re going to keep it that way,” Banks said.
Banks’ comments drew mixed reactions from fans and analysts, some of whom praised him for his passion and swagger, and others who criticized him for his lack of professionalism and sportsmanship.
Giants defense dominates Commanders offense
Banks was not the only Giants defender who had a big game against the Commanders. The Giants defense held the Commanders to just seven points and 237 yards of total offense, and forced three turnovers. The Giants also blocked a field goal attempt by the Commanders in the third quarter, which proved to be a pivotal play in the low-scoring affair.
The Giants defense was led by defensive lineman Leonard Williams, who had two sacks, four tackles for loss, and a blocked field goal. Williams, who signed a four-year, $68 million contract with the Giants in the offseason, has been a dominant force on the defensive line, and has helped the Giants improve their pass rush and run defense.
The Giants defense also got contributions from safety Xavier McKinney, who had an interception and a fumble recovery, linebacker Blake Martinez, who had a team-high 11 tackles, and defensive end Azeez Ojulari, who had a sack and a forced fumble.
The Giants defense has been one of the best units in the NFL this season, ranking fourth in points allowed, sixth in yards allowed, and third in turnovers forced. The Giants defense has been the main reason why the team has a 5-2 record and is leading the NFC East division.
The Giants defense will look to continue its strong play next week, when they face the Dallas Cowboys, who have one of the most explosive offenses in the league.
