Carl Banks did not merely criticize the Giants for how dreadful they played in Sunday’s 38-0 loss to the Panthers. He questioned their toughness, their resolve, their feelings for each other and their fight. The former Giants linebacker and current radio analyst did not hold back and his words were harsh.100
And the Giants did not fight back. They agreed with him.
“That’s what happened,’’ linebacker Mark Herzlich said on Monday. “They kept hitting us, hitting us and hitting us and we didn’t stop them. Carl’s right, we need to have more passion, we need to have that fire.’’
Banks didn’t mince words on the game broadcast and he kept up the barrage Monday on WFAN, saying the 0-3 Giants: “Don’t like each other. … They don’t want to fight for each other.’’
Tom Coughlin did not hear Banks’ heavy critiques but when told of the comments, he said he did not agree the Giants do not like each other.
Banks let loose on the offensive line, which allowed seven sacks of Eli Manning — including six in an incompetent first quarter — to go along with at least 20 hits on Manning.
“I’ve never seen a group line up and get punched in the face and do nothing about it,’’ Banks said. “The disturbing part is I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team just take a butt-whipping and say ‘Give me more.’ ’’
During the beat down, Banks repeatedly said he wondered why no player stood up and started a fight, incited something, did anything to spark some emotion.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team just not show emotion, as they were just getting pummeled,” Banks said. “I don’t advocate fighting, but show some emotion. Show that you care that your quarterback was sacked six times in the first quarter. Show me. Push a guy. Tackle a guy. Do something other than just take it. That’s not Giants football under any administration, not to mention a Tom Coughlin team.”
Banks never actually said the Giants quit in the game and neither did Coughlin.
“It wasn’t pretty, I will say that,’’ Coughlin said, “but I don’t believe they quit.’’