Abdul Carter vows self-reflection after criticism from Giants teammate

New York Giants rookie linebacker Abdul Carter, fresh off his second benching in three weeks amid a frustrating 2-11 season, pledged introspection during the team's bye week after teammates urged him to "grow up."

Benched for two defensive series in Monday's 33-15 loss to the New England Patriots for missing a team responsibility -- a recurring theme -- Carter drew sharp words from defensive captain Dexter Lawrence.

"Just grow up, really," Lawrence said, calling the lapses "young stuff that can't happen" and labeling Carter "hard-headed."

On Tuesday, ahead of the team's bye week, Carter processed the setback calmly.

"I'm doing good," he told reporters. Reviewing film, he pinpointed self-inflicted wounds: "That we hurt ourselves. A lot of the plays that happened, the big plays that we gave up, there are things that we didn’t do right, things that we can control, so it’s just doing our job, doing what we’re supposed to do."

His first NFL bye offers a reset.

"I'm just asking for advice from the guys that have been here," he said. "Just enjoying this time off, decompress but at the same time, staying locked in."

Carter aims to prove his mettle in the final four games and plans a deep self-assessment.

"For sure, do some self-reflection about some things I can improve on, come back stronger, so after the bye week I can finish the last four weeks of the season strong," he said.

Pressed on the "grow up" directive from respected veterans, Carter embraced it.

"I take it. The guys who say that, those are guys I look up to, guys I respect. So, if they say something like that, I’m going to look at myself first, like ‘alright, what am I doing? How can I get better?’ and prove to them that I can earn their respect and go out and be who I’m supposed to be," he said.

Even criticism from Giants legends like Carl Banks stings, but fuels resolve.

"How do I respond? Do I shy away from it or do I accept the challenge and become better and improve, keep improving, and be the man I'm supposed to be?" he added.

The Giants are about to find out what Carter, whom they've invested heavily in, is truly made of.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Abdul Carter vows self-reflection after criticism from Giants teammate