Carl Banks has experience playing as a linebacker for the New York Giants New York Giantsand he has defended the current players in that position, including Micah McFadden.
After Bobby Spence, a member of the band Hotel Graffiti, criticized McFadden in a post on X, Carl Banks reposted the criticism and added, “He is gonna be just fine.. for the first time in a decade, the have LB’s that can actually find the football without GPS.” Spence had pointed out that McFadden struggled with making clean tackles, having the third most missed tackles at linebacker in the NFL. Banks responded by emphasizing the linebackers' ability to find the ball and be at the right place during plays, which helped McFadden become a credible starter in 2023. Banks’ response focused on McFadden and the other Giants’ linebackers, demonstrating their instincts for the game, which played a key role in helping McFadden become a reliable starter in 2023.Bobby Okereke #NYGiants , a linebacker for the Giants, also showed a talent for finding the ball, which contributed to McFadden's success as a credible starter last year.
He is gonna be just fine.. for the first time in a decade, the #NYGiants have LB's that can actually find the football without GPS https://t.co/u3Ozey2Su5
— Carl Banks (@CarlBanksGIII) March 28, 2024
They helped McFadden become a credible starter in 2023.
Micah McFadden Showed Improvement in Second Season Banks praised McFadden for his career-best statistics, including 101 combined tackles, 63 solo stops, and 12 tackles for loss. Despite being credited with 22 missed tackles, McFadden excelled in pass rushing, recording a sack, eight pressures, and four quarterback knockdowns, showcasing his skills as a linebacker.Although McFadden was credited with 22 missed tackles, he proved to be skilled in the pass-rush, recording a sack, eight pressures, and four quarterback knockdowns.
blitzed 53 times
to achieve a sack, eight pressures, and four quarterback knockdowns.
These numbers demonstrate McFadden's strength as a linebacker who is most effective near the line of scrimmage. McFadden's performance, such as taking down Philadelphia Eagles’ running back Kenneth Gainwell in Week 18, highlights his positive impact on the Giants as a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft..
This performance, along with Okereke’s excellence, means the Giants won’t have to seek help for inside linebackers in this year’s draft. Carl Banks Is Right to Praise Improvement at Key Position Banks is justified in applauding the significant improvement at linebacker for the Giants due to the contributions of McFadden and Okereke.
Okereke proved to be worth his four-year, $40-million contract signed last offseason, bringing valuable skills to the defense.
four-year, $40-million contract signed last offseason. This allowed McFadden to focus on playing near the line of scrimmage. Okereke's impact across different aspects of the game enabled McFadden to concentrate on playing effectively in a specific area. This kind of partnership is essential for successful linebacker units. Banks draws from his experience playing with renowned linebackers like Lawrence Taylor, Harry Carson, and Pepper Johnson, who significantly contributed to the Giants' strong defense. Okereke and McFadden strive to have a similar impact, supported by a dominant nose tackle. Dexter Lawrence II at least guarantees that the Giants will stay strong in the middle..
Super Bowl champion Carl Banks supported a New York Giants middle linebacker after he received criticism for missing too many tackles.
Carl Banks Right to Applaud Improvement at Key Position
Banks is right to trumpet a transformative change at linebacker for the Giants. Both McFadden and Okereke made it possible.
Okereke proved worth every penny of his four-year, $40-million contract signed last offseason. What he brought was true range to the heart of the defense.
True range meant being an asset against the run, generating pressure and in pass coverage. Okereke proved particularly stingy allowing catches, according to stats from PFF NY Giants.
Having Okereke make an impact at multiple levels of the field allowed McFadden to concentrate on playing downhill. This kind of complementary partnership is how pro linebacker units function effectively.
Banks knows that from his days playing alongside some of the greatest in franchise history at the position. Names like Lawrence Taylor, Harry Carson and Pepper Johnson.
They each helped keep the Giants strong defensively for years. Okereke and McFadden can only hope to have a fraction of the same impact, but their presence behind dominant nose tackle Dexter Lawrence II at least ensures the Giants will remain formidable in the middle.