Giants legend Carl Banks responds to Dexter Lawrence in ongoing war of words

New York Giants legend and current radio color commentator Carl Banks made headlines with recent criticisms of Giants star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.

Lawrence responded on Wednesday, calling Banks "delusional." During the latest episode of his "Bleav in Giants" podcast, Banks replied to Lawrence's remarks. 

Carl Banks liked Dexter Lawrence's response to criticism

"I knew Dexter wasn’t happy with what I said," Banks acknowledged, per Bridget Hyland of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. "...So Dexter Lawrence’s response? I think it’s great. He’s a prideful man, and I would expect him to have the comment. He probably held back. He probably wanted to say more." 

Following the Giants' 38-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles that dropped Big Blue to 2-6 on Oct. 26, Banks said that the game film showed that "nobody respects" Lawrence anymore. During his retort, Lawrence insisted that he doesn't "think numbers indicate anything" regarding how he impacts opposing offenses during games. Lawrence added at that time that he hopes "people start trying to disrespect me."

Over the first eight weeks of the season, Lawrence recorded 20 total tackles, one tackle for a loss, 0.5 sacks, an interception, 10 initial pressures and four quarterback hits. According to ESPN stats, the Giants will enter the first weekend of November ranked 29th in the league in opponent yards gained per game (382.4) and 26th in points allowed per game (26.9). 

Carl Banks won't apologize for Dexter Lawrence comments

As ESPN's Jordan Raanan previously shared, Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke suggested that Banks was "trying to light a fire under Dex" with his initial comments. In his response, Banks noted he was simply being fair with his review of the game film. 

"If anything, I’m going to be consistent," Banks added. "On this platform, I defend those young men, I support those young men, and I fairly critique those young men ...I own everything I say. And I don’t have tender feelings."

At least one banner calling for Giants co-owner John Mara to "clean house" will fly over MetLife Stadium when the team hosts the San Francisco 49ers (5-3) on Sunday. One wonders what Banks will have to say about Lawrence and the rest of the Giants' roster after that game.