What Giants DC Shane Bowen said to Abdul Carter after benching

Rookie pass-rusher Abdul Carter is doing what he can to move on from his benching for the opening series of the New York Giants' 27-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 16. 

While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen was asked what he said to Carter following that disciplinary action. 

What Shane Bowen wants to see from Abdul Carter after benching

"Be a pro," Bowen responded, per the Giants' website. "Be a pro. Keep working. Can't get frustrated with where things are. You have to find ways to keep improving, take advantage of our opportunities when they're there. But again, it's the consistency day in and day out with all these guys, especially young players. Just try to be the same guy every day, try to work the same way every day, and on Sunday, hopefully that pays off."

An initial report stated that Carter was benched against the Packers after he "missed a walk-through leading up to the game" because he "was asleep in the team facility." A later story supported Carter's explanation, saying the 22-year-old was allegedly receiving treatment at the time of the scheduled walk-through. 

How Abdul Carter has responded to benching, criticisms

Outsiders might never realize if consistently being late to meetings has really been a trend for Carter in recent months. However, it's well-known that he recorded just 0.5 sacks in the first 11 games of his pro career. 

On Thursday, Bowen discussed how Carter has reacted to criticism from fans and others on social media and during New York sports radio shows. 

"He's been locked in this week," Bowen added about Carter. "He has. He came in here Tuesday ready to go, ready to learn, ready to make the corrections. Was good [Wednesday]. We just have to continue to kind of stack these days here, as we get through the week, and hopefully we'll be ready to go Sunday."

The 2-9 Giants may need Carter to be more focused than ever to secure a win against the Detroit Lions (6-4) this Sunday. As of Friday morning, ESPN BET listed Big Blue as a 10-point underdog for that game.