Dexter Lawrence, the All-Pro defensive tackle for the New York Giants, was once feared for his explosive dominance on the field. But his latest reaction proves his fire extends beyond the game. A sharp comment from a franchise legend that led to an uncomfortable rift has now been tuned.

“There is no fight to have. I gave my observations. I wouldn’t expect him to be happy about what I said. He is still my favorite #Giants player. I will continue to fairly support, defend, and critique them as appropriate,” Carl Banks wrote on X.

Fans online mocked the tension, urging a confrontation that never came. Banks’ initial criticism stemmed from the team’s lack of recognition for Lawrence’s leadership and production during recent struggles.

After the New York Giants lost 38-20 to the Philadelphia Eagles, the critique took flight. But Dexter Lawrence had three tackles and was credited with half a sack.  

“Dexter Lawrence, nobody respects you anymore. Nobody,” Banks said on his Bleav podcast.

Opposing teams are double-teaming Lawrence on a league-high 74.9% of his pass-rush opportunities this season. He was double-teamed at a 74.5% rate last year. In 2024, Lawrence recorded 9 sacks and 44 tackles in 12 games.

But so far this season, in 8 games, he has only recorded half a sack with 20 tackles. Those numbers sparked debate about whether fatigue, scheme shifts, or double teams are limiting his impact.

After Lawrence’s strong public pushback, Banks appeared to temper his stance, emphasizing continued respect and support. But what exactly did the 6’4″, 340-pound Giants lineman say to mark a shift?

Dexter Lawrence fires back with respect over numbers

Dexter Lawrence’s response is a message that respect in the trenches matters more than stat sheets. 

“Those are strong words. That’s how he feels? F*** it! He’s delusional,” Lawrence said.

The Giants’ All-Pro defensive tackle showed that dominance goes beyond sacks or tackles. His reaction implied that true impact often comes from commanding double teams and disrupting plays that never reach the box score. Although Lawrence’s pressure rate has decreased from 11.5 percent to 7.0 percent this season, sacks aren’t the most important metric for a nose tackle.

Despite the clash, Banks still considers Lawrence his favorite Giant, a sentiment shared by many fans who value consistency over flash. Because it shows that the unit can rely on you when it matters. This season, he has recorded four quarterback hits, ten initial pressures, and an interception. He has a 5.4% pass rush win rate and a 36.3% run stop win percentage.  

“There’s no other D-lineman in this league that gets as many double-teams as he does. Not even close,” Defensive line coach Andre Patterson stated.

According to NFL Media, Dexter Lawrence ranks among the top interior linemen in total pressures and double-team win rate this season, even if his sack totals don’t fully show it. His early-season dominance came in key moments against top NFC opponents, and a brief midseason dip had more to do with the Giants’ defensive lapses than any personal decline.

“I hope they start not respecting me because that’s not what’s showing on the field. They’re showing a lot of respect on the field,” Lawrence said, a reminder of how his presence alone reshapes blocking schemes week after week.

A two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler, Lawrence remains the anchor of New York’s defense heading into their matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. Even Aaron Rodgers, back in his Packers days, called him one of the best in the league. For Lawrence, it’s never been about online recognition. Rather, it’s about earning respect from the men lined up across from him every Sunday.