Why was Deonte Banks benched by Giants? Exploring reasons behind Brian Daboll's decision

Deonte Banks is apparently on his way to becoming one of the biggest defensive busts of the 2020s, if the latest decision on him is any indication.

On Monday, the New York Giants cornerback was benched in the second quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers after missing a tackle on Najee Harris during a running play:

Below are a couple of clips of the missed tackle:

Earlier in the game, he had made a highlight play by impeding George Pickens in the endzone, preventing the burgeoning wideout from getting his left and right feet inbounds and scoring the touchdown:

It's not the first time Banks has faced criticism over his apparent lack of defensive effort. At home against the divisional rival Dallas Cowboys, he was verbally attacked by secondary coach Jerome Henderson after appearing to stop pursuing CeeDee Lamb, who scored a 55-yard touchdown.

Last week, also at home against another divisional rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, he backed off from Jalen Hurts during a quarterback rush. He said after the game:

“I had a bad play. I think I could have made it, but sometimes when you’re in the moment you just think like, ‘Nah,’ but I think could have made the tackle.’’

Greg Stroman would enter the game in his stead.

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Who is Deonte Banks? A brief career profile of Giants CB who was benched for missing tackle on Najee Harris

Deonte Banks’ football story begins in Maryland. Born in Baltimore, he initially attended Saint Frances Academy in the city before transferring to Edgewood in the suburbs.

Wanting to stay close to home, he committed to Maryland for his college career and immediately saw playing action as a true freshman. He had 28 tackles (22 solo), an interception, and two pass deflections.

The COVID-19 pandemic ended his sophomore campaign at five games, but he already had eleven tackles (all but one solo) and a pass deflection by then. A shoulder injury ended his junior year at just six games, but which point he had just six tackles (four solo).

Banks finally broke out in 2022, registering career highs in total (38) and solo (25) tackles and pass breakups (8). One of his tackles was for a loss, and he also had an interception.

He was drafted 24th overall by the Giants in 2023 and started 13 games, recording 55 tackles (44 solo), eleven pass deflections, and two interceptions. During the offseason, he changed his jersey number from 25 to 3, which was formerly worn by wide receiver Sterling Shepard. (25 would be reassigned to running back/special teamer Dante Miller.)