Giants legend blasts 'one-trick pony' Abdul Carter after loss to Packers

New York Giants rookie pass-rusher Abdul Carter was benched for the opening series of the club's 27-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday because of what he referred to as "a mistake during the week that was detrimental to the team." 

During the Giants' official postgame show that aired on New York sports radio station WFAN, team legend and NFL analyst Tiki Barber suggested that the Packers exposed Carter at MetLife Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

Tiki Barber explains why Abdul Carter is enduring a disappointing rookie season

"You create this expectation in your mind," Barber said about Carter. "First-round player. He should be a dog right away. ...Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. And with Abdul Carter, what I saw a lot in this game is that -- he thinks it's patented, but it's not. This deke out, let me come underneath and try to get inside of the tackle and get to the quarterback. But, everybody knows you're going to do that."

Earlier in November, advanced stats showed why some insiders viewed Carter as the favorite to claim Defensive Rookie of the Year Award honors even though he routinely failed to take quarterbacks down across the campaign's first nine weeks. However, he continues to leave much to be desired with his on-the-field performances. 

Per ESPN's Jordan Raanan, Carter tallied one tackle and one quarterback hit versus the Packers. Across his first 11 games, he recorded 0.5 sacks.

"He's a one-trick pony at this point," Barber added about Carter. "Sometimes it works and he gets pressures. Most times, it doesn't, and he doesn't get pressure, and he compromises the edge." 

Mike Kafka still has faith in Abdul Carter

Following Sunday's loss, Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka wouldn't reveal exactly what Carter did or didn't do to be benched. That said, Kafka indicated he had put the matter behind him via the disciplinary action. 

"I love Abdul and what he brings to this team," Kafka said while speaking with reporters. "The skill set he has, this guy loves ball. I'm excited to watch him attack this week of practice and continue to work and grow and be the great player that I think he is."

Carter should be in the lineup when the 2-9 Giants play at the Detroit Lions (6-4) on Nov. 23. It sounds like the Detroit defense may know what Carter will try to do throughout that contest.