He wasn’t sure which play he liked best.
“They both were good plays,” Deonte Banks shared. “I can’t really tell you my favorite.”
Interesting, right?
The reason Banks was asked about his favorites is that he had two standout moments during the Giants’ 26-3 preseason win over the Dolphins. This is a significant shift for a player who, over the last two seasons, often heard more about his mistakes than his successes.
For Banks, reviving his struggling career meant he needed to consistently deliver positive plays, substantially outweighing any negatives.
He’s rising to the occasion.
The new coaching staff is observing closely.
Given his prior reputation as a potential “bust,” many viewed him as a long shot for redemption.
But he’s turned things around.
The concern now isn’t whether Banks will make the team — he will. The bigger question is how significant his role in the defensive backfield will be.
“Everybody wants to start, for sure,” Banks acknowledged.
Does he see a pathway to that goal?
“Yes, for sure,” he replied.
That would indeed be noteworthy.
However, he’s not quite there yet.
During the game, the starting cornerbacks were Paulson Adebo and Greg Newsome II, both getting the chance to play after missing the preseason opener against the Vikings.
Banks soon joined Adebo on the field, appearing during the third defensive series.
In the second quarter, on a crucial third-and-6 play, Dolphins quarterback Cam Miller targeted Kevin Coleman Jr. This was exactly the kind of situation where Banks had faltered in the past, often in good position but failing to make the decisive play.
This time, he was glued to Coleman, making the necessary contact to prevent the catch from being completed.
“I would say he was like glue out there,” Harbaugh remarked afterward.
Later, Banks made a strong tackle against running back Ollie Gordon II, limiting the gain to just one yard.
At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Banks possesses the ideal combination of size and strength to contribute as a run defender.
For him, it’s all about technique and focus, areas where he struggled after an inconsistent but encouraging rookie year as the 24th overall pick.
Although he was more assertive under defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, he had difficulty under Shane Bowen’s guidance.
Now, he appears revitalized with new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.
“This is fun,” he expressed. “I’m having a great time with it. I wouldn’t say I’m more confident because I feel I’m always a confident dude. I guess you can see it in my play more.”
According to Banks, the new coaching staff has “given me a reset” and “let me be me.”
When asked to elaborate, he explained, “Let me go out there and play my game. Let me go out there and do what I do best.” This includes taking on a more aggressive role as a press corner in man coverage.
If Banks can be a reliable option, the cornerback position could gain some valuable depth, despite lacking a clear No. 1.
Adebo struggled in his first year with the Giants after signing a substantial three-year deal, while Newsome, a first-round pick in 2021, is on a one-year contract meant to prove himself.
Rookie Colton Hood, picked 37th overall, has missed some time due to a quad injury.
Banks is now in the last year of his rookie deal, and the position remains uncertain.
There are also other candidates like Art Green and Korie Black who could be a part of the corner depth.
“It seems like we’re deep at corner,” Harbaugh noted. “Certainly planning on that panning out throughout the course of the season.”
Banks is playing not only for a spot on the team but also for his future, whether with the Giants or another team.
He previously faced criticism for lapses in effort, and fans had become frustrated with him. However, this new coaching regime has provided Banks with an opportunity, and he’s making the most of it.
“You always go through something,” he reflected.
He believes he’s a better player now than he’s ever been during his time with the Giants and states, “I feel great” while predicting that the defense “can be really great.”
Things are definitely looking up for Deonte Banks, and the real season hasn’t even started yet.
