Deonte Banks returns interception for touchdown as time expires to seal Giants' win over Cardinals
Giants cornerback Deonte Banks celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Credit: Ed Murray
One play showed why Deonte Banks’ Giants tenure has been frustrating. A second play showed how he’s redefining it this season.
Banks’ pass-interference penalty on Marvin Harrison Jr. gave the Cardinals a chance to take the lead; trailing by six points, they had first-and goal at the Giants’ 4-yard line with 22 seconds left.
Then, after three incomplete passes, Banks intercepted Jacoby Brissett’s pass with eight seconds left and returned it 98 yards for a touchdown to cap the Giants’ 36-24 victory at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
The fourth-year cornerback didn’t just sprint untouched to the opposite end zone as time expired. He perhaps left behind his past as a former first-round pick who didn’t live up to expectations.
“I just know what I’m capable of,” said Banks, who returned after missing two games with a calf injury. “Just prove myself right. I’m gonna just keep proving myself right.”
Harrison beat Banks for the Cardinals’ first touchdown on the opening drive, but Banks and the Giants got the last laugh as they recorded a late game-saving interception for the second straight week.
The Giants (3-1) are alone in first place in the NFC East, a first since Week 11 of the 2015 season. They also are 3-0 at home for the first time since 2008.
Banks’ game-sealing play came on a day when the offense scored a touchdown after 26 straight drives without one. Jameis Winston threw touchdown passes to Malachi Fields, Malik Nabers and Theo Johnson along with two interceptions, demonstrating the wild ride he’s been known for with big plays and turnovers.
Yet it was Banks, who’s dealt with even more highs and lows, who had the biggest day. It came after he lost his starting job last season and was used more on kickoff returns. The Giants also declined his fifth-year option this past spring, making him a free agent after this season.
Banks often struggled with penalties and poor eye discipline that led to big plays. He hadn’t had an interception since recording two as a rookie. But with the Giants on the brink of a disheartening defeat, that changed Sunday.
“That’s like a dream ending right there. To end it on a pick-6,” linebacker Abdul Carter said. “I know Tae is feeling great right now. He’s been working his [butt] off all camp, all year, and it’s showing right now.”
Banks pointed to a new coaching staff putting faith in him. He credited defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson for giving him more support, and it led to a strong training camp. He then regained his starting job in the season opener before his injury.
Even after he allowed the Cardinals’ first score, Banks heard encouragement more than anger or frustration.
“They allow me to just keep going,” he said. “ . . . They’re just like ‘calm down, you missed two weeks. Settle in.’ And I settled in.”
Banks secured the Giants’ third interception after Greg Newsome II and Arvell Reese each had one in the first half. The defense delivered seven quarterback hits, including three by Carter, and got sacks from Tremaine Edmunds and C.J. Okoye. It was the Giants’ first multi-sack game of the season; they had only one through three games.
John Harbaugh also showed faith in his defense by electing to have Dominic Zvada kick a field goal on fourth-and-5 from the Cardinals’ 34-yard line. Zvada’s 52-yard field goal with 2:11 left gave the Giants a 30-24 lead and put the game in his defense’s hands.
It made sense, given that the Giants gave up only 80 yards after allowing touchdowns on the Cardinals’ first two drives as Arizona built a 14-3 lead.
The Giants have reversed their recent history of collapses. Instead of giving up the game-ending touchdowns that doomed their 2025 season, they have forced game-ending takeaways. They have six interceptions this season.
“That’s what winning teams do. They find ways to win games,” Harbaugh said. “That’s why they’re winning teams, and I’m proud of those guys for that.”
It’s exactly what Banks did after being discounted before Harbaugh’s arrival. He seemed headed for bust territory, yet teammates praised his work ethic under the new regime.
Banks said on an Instagram story post during the preseason that football feels fun again. Harbaugh trusted him to succeed as a starter again, and on Sunday, he made the game’s biggest play.
The late penalty on Harrison and the touchdown he allowed could have brought back memories of previous mistakes. He instead responded by helping to force an incompletion on third down and racing away with the game-sealing interception on the next play.
It showed why this could be a different season for him and the Giants’ defense.
“I really don’t care about last year,” Banks said. “We got a new coaching staff, new coaches, new players. I’m just happy to get a win.”
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
