Carl Banks: “I don’t know why people have these really high expectations”

The New York Giants lost yet another close game on Sunday night, falling to the Dallas Cowboys 20-13. With the Giants off to a 0-2, following a 2017 season in which the team won just three games, former players are weighing in with their thoughts. On Monday, former Giants’ linebacker and current Giants radio analyst Carl Banks joined WFAN Sports Radio 66-AM and 101.9-FM on his weekly spot to talk about Sunday night’s game.

“Tough game to watch,” Banks said. “Give Dallas a lot of credit. Rod Marinelli knew exactly how he wanted to attack this offense. Defensively they had some plays in to take advantage of some things early against the Giants before they could get settled into the game. To their credit they had an excellent game plan and we saw the result of it.”

While the Giants used their No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft on running back Saquon Barkley, the offense hasn’t quite gotten off to the start that they wanted. In back-to-back games, the Giants have been held to less than 20 points.

“I don’t know why people have these really high expectations,” Banks said. “This is a team with a lot of turnover. You had a quarterback yesterday who was uncomfortable from the word go. He missed a few plays. He had a few that he coulda hit, but as a whole they’re still trying to find themselves. Its five all new offensive linemen, this is their second game together, this is their second game with their coach. This is not excuses because what we saw yesterday is what we saw. Every team in the NFL I give them one month before we know exactly where they are and what direction they’re headed in.”

Eli Manning was sacked six times during the game, totaling 59 yards lost. The offensive line still has a lot of room for improvement. Banks seems to know the issue.

“The communication up front with those five has to be better,” Banks said. “This is a group of five who is seeing it together for the first time. They were manhandled. They didn’t play well. I’m gonna say give me Week 4, after Week 4 then we’ll know exactly what they are.”

While Banks is skeptical on the Giants start to the season, there is a sense of optimism moving forward. The team still has 14 games left to turn it around and Banks is still very confident in this Giants’ bunch.

“You can’t win until you get better,” Banks said. “They had bad talent. Do they believe in Eli Manning? Absolutely. Do they believe in the guys they signed? Absolutely.”