"It's not always going to be perfect": Joe Schoen addresses Abdul Carter's first-quarter benching in Giants vs. Patriots Week 13 game 

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen has some thoughts about Abdul Carter's latest benching.

The rookie edge rusher did not play at all in the first quarter of Monday's 33-15 loss at the New England Patriots. Richie O'Leary, a correspondent for On3, had reported the day before the game that he had been late to a team meeting again.

During his press conference on Tuesday, Schoen said:

“Abdul is smart and understands the magnitude of his actions. ... It’s not always going to be perfect. People make mistakes. Part of our job is to develop them as football players, but also as people.”

Mike Garafolo

@MikeGarafolo

#Giants GM Joe Schoen says Abdul Carter is "smart and understands the magnitude of his actions and also understands what it means to be a pro. These kids are 21 years old and they're thrust in the spotlight in New York City. It's not always going to be perfect."

Carter, who had declined to address the issue immediately after the game, also spoke on Thursday, albeit in the locker room. When asked about teammates advising him about his behavior and discipline, he said:

"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 added:

"I have plenty of guys in here that I can look to, I got coaches that give me great advice."

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Joe Schoen discusses Mike Kafka's chances of becoming Giants HC in 2026

In the same press conference, Joe Schoen spoke up on the Giants' coaching search for 2026.

In a move that, according to him, was made by ownership, Brian Daboll was fired after blowing a lead at the Detroit Lions in Week 10. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka assumed his post in the interim, and even though he has gone 0-3 ahead of the bye week, Schoen is optimistic about his prospects of shedding that tag after the season:

"He's getting a real look right now. Hands-on... He's a good coach, good leader and, again, he's getting an opportunity over these next four weeks to continue to lead the team."

The Giants return to the field against the Washington Commanders on December 14. Kickoff is at 1 pm ET on Fox.