The changes came quickly for the Giants following Daboll’s departure and Kafka’s promotion. Rookie linebacker Abdul Carter became the first player to receive punishment and the earliest example of Kafka’s hardline approach as he attempts to pull the team out of the hole it has fallen into during the disappointing 2025 campaign.
Carter, the Giants’ first-round pick, has delivered none of the production the team expected when they drafted him. Through ten weeks of the season, he has remained far from the explosive talent that once made him an intriguing college prospect, struggling to adjust and failing to meet the demands of professional play.
A new situation emerged during the Week 10 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Kafka chose to keep Carter on the bench throughout the entire first quarter, a decision that immediately drew attention within the organization. Although the rookie returned in the second quarter and played the remainder of the game, the message was clear: accountability mattered in New York, and mistakes would carry consequences as the post-Daboll era began.
According to reporting from The Athletic, Carter fell asleep midweek and arrived late for a practice session, missing the walkthrough. This lapse prompted Kafka to impose discipline.
I made a mistake during the week that was detrimental to the team.”…”I already know that whatever I do have is going to have consequences. That was the consequence, have to live with it, keep playing
.
Carter admitted the error after the game.
Brian Burns, the team’s leader with 13 sacks, said he spoke with Carter afterward.
He was locked in how I expect him to be.”…”Nothing really besides the regular: Stay in it. When you get your opportunity, show out. Just continue to study and be on your job.
Interim coach Mike Kafka stated the matter would remain internal.
He played his butt off. He practiced his tail off.”….”I’m really happy about Abdul and excited to watch him continue to grow and continue to play a lot more as a pro … and be the great player that I think he is.
I love Abdul and what he brings to this team, the skill set he has … this guy loves ball.”…”And I’m excited again to watch him attack this week of practice, and continue to work and grow and be the great player that I think he is.
This marks a shift for New York as the franchise seeks a complete reset.
Read the full article here
