If Deonte Banks made as many plays in Sunday’s 27-22 loss to the Commanders at MetLife Stadium as times he said in his postgame interview that he needs to be “better,’’ the Giants second-year cornerback might be up for Defensive Player of the Week.
Instead, Banks was beaten twice by Washington receiver Terry McLaurin for touchdown passes in the game, and is now a former first-round draft pick reeling.
It was only one game ago, in Pittsburgh, that Banks was benched for poor play and effort issues.
Now he’s given up two more touchdown passes, giving him six yielded in nine games this season and 10 in his 23-game career since being drafted 24th overall last year.
The Commanders took a 7-0 lead on the Giants when Jayden Daniels connected with McLaurin on a quick, low 1-yard scoring pass with Banks not in position to make the play.
“I’ve just gotta be better,’’ Banks said.
Rookie corner Dru Phillips indicated that play wasn’t Banks’ fault, that he should have been in on the play.
Was Banks expecting help?
“It was just a bad play by the defense, boss, bad play by me,’’ Banks said.
The second McLaurin TD was a killer, coming with six seconds remaining in the first half to give Washington a 21-7 lead.
On this play, McLaurin got behind Banks down the left sideline and scored from 18-yards out.
“I just gotta be better,’’ Banks said of the second score. “I was trying to use my contact to my help and he got behind me using the contact. So, I’ve gotta be better there.’’
Banks, who was born in Maryland and went to college there, has a history with the Commanders in his short NFL career.
Last season, with the Giants sweeping the season series with the Commanders, he publicly tweaked them for not drafting him at No. 16 before the Giants.
He took to social media after the second meeting and said, “They could’ve came and got me at [pick] 16, and they didn’t. Now I’m 2-0 against you bum-ass boys. (Bleep) the Commanders. They think they slick. They gonna see me two times a year until the end of my career. Shoulda came and got me.’’
Well, the Commanders have swept the season series against the Giants this year and Banks’ second season is in a downward spiral.
Asked about his difficult season, Banks said, “It’s gotta be better. Be better next week.’’
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