Abdul Carter Happy To Be Benched by Giants

New York’s rookie defender Abdul Carter acknowledged this week that he’s still learning how to navigate life in the league after being sidelined for the opening quarter of Monday’s loss. It marked the second time this season the coaching staff has pulled him from action for disciplinary reasons, though the team offered no details beyond calling it a decision made by Mike Kafka.

Carter didn’t shy away from the criticism. Veteran leaders in the locker room have pressed him to mature, making it clear that some of his mistakes are simply things a young player can’t keep repeating. When asked how he handles those messages, Carter said he listens closely to the teammates he respects most and tries to evaluate his own behavior first. His goal, he explained, is to earn their trust and show he’s committed to growing.

General manager Joe Schoen, who selected Carter near the top of the draft, backed the coaching staff’s call while also stressing that the situation shouldn’t be blown out of proportion. Schoen emphasized that Carter is only 21, still adjusting to the demands of the NFL, and dealing with the pressure of a major spotlight in New York. Mistakes happen, he said, and part of the organization’s responsibility is helping young players mature both on and off the field.

For Carter, the real test will be how he responds in games moving forward. He said the adversity he’s facing is an opportunity to prove he can handle challenges rather than run from them. If he develops into the impact player the franchise envisioned, these early bumps will fade into the background. If not, this stretch could end up defining his rookie season in a tough New York market.