Brian Baldinger’s Bold Take on Abdul Carter: "Tough Criticism Is the Key to Unlocking His Greatness"
In the high-pressure world of the NFL, criticism is part of the game, and for rookie linebacker Abdul Carter, the recent blunt words from veteran analyst Brian Baldinger are the wake-up call he needs to ignite his potential.
Carter, who was drafted by the New York Giants amid great expectations, has had a rocky start to his career. After being sidelined for a walk-through and failing to live up to the hype in his limited appearances on the field, Carter has faced scrutiny. Baldinger, no stranger to holding players accountable, didn’t mince words in his analysis of Carter’s performance: "If you took the name off Abdul Carter’s jersey, you’d think you were watching a guy trying to make the team, not a highly-touted rookie linebacker."
While the blunt critique may sting, Baldinger sees it as a necessary catalyst for growth. In a recent statement, Baldinger acknowledged that sometimes the toughest criticisms are the ones that spur players to elevate their game: “Abdul Carter is facing the music, but I believe he has the talent to rise above the noise. It’s time for him to channel this challenge into motivation and prove everyone wrong. This is just a bump in the road to greatness.”
Baldinger’s comments hit a chord with many in the NFL community. He believes that Carter’s lack of production this season is only temporary — a result of the early challenges every young player faces when adjusting to the speed and intensity of professional football. Yet, Baldinger is adamant that Carter’s potential is undeniable. "The hype doesn’t match the performance yet, but Carter has the ability to turn this around. He just needs to rise above the pressure and start making plays," Baldinger said.
For Carter, this may be his crucial turning point. The criticism, though harsh, comes with a message of hope and belief in his abilities. If he can take the feedback to heart, it could propel him to the level expected of him as a high draft pick. The Giants and their fanbase are hopeful that the linebacker will use this moment to unlock his true potential and become the defensive powerhouse the team envisioned when they selected him.
The road to greatness is never a straight line, and Abdul Carter’s journey is just beginning. As Baldinger points out, this could very well be the beginning of Carter’s rise — provided he takes the tough lessons and uses them as fuel to drive his future success.
Jauan Jennings Dodges Aiyuk’s Contract Questions: “I Just Hope He’s Healing Up”
Jauan Jennings masterfully avoided saying anything when asked about the 49ers' decision to void Brandon Aiyuk's 2026 guaranteed money.
The San Francisco 49ers dropped a bombshell on Friday when the team announced it was voiding Brandon Aiyuk’s 2026 guaranteed money. The surprise move came amid reports that the organization had grown frustrated with Aiyuk’s absence from the team. The 49ers believes the veteran receiver failed to live up to contractual obligations by missing meetings and team activities.
Aiyuk has been sidelined since tearing his ACL and MCL in Week 7 of the 2024 season. After 13 months, the 49ers still have no timeline for his return to the field.
Upon learning of the voided money, reporters asked Jauan Jennings for his take on the situation. But the veteran receiver wasn’t about to provide a damning sound bite on his teammate’s contract situation.
“I don’t even know what the question is, for real, that you just asked me,” Jennings said, per 49ers On SI’s Grant Cohn.
Reporter: “He had his contract voided for next year… is that something the locker room was aware of?”
Jennings: “I don’t even know what that means.”
Reporter: “That his guaranteed money next year was voided.”
Jennings: “That mean he don’t get it?”
Reporter: “Correct.”
Jennings: “I mean, I guess that's something between him and the organization… I just hope he’s healing up.”
49ers open to potential Brandon Aiyuk return in 2025
Despite Jennings doing his best Johnny Tightlips impression, reporters persisted. Asked when he last saw Aiyuk around the 49ers’ facility, Jennings said he was too concerned with being on time to meetings to notice. Asked what he thought of Aiyuk’s lengthy rehab, Jennings said, “I don’t know the timeline, I’m not a doctor. I just hope he’s healing up.”
While San Francisco’s response to Aiyuk’s absence was drastic, head coach Kyle Shanahan left the door open for the receiver’s return to the team. Shanahan also walked back some of the 49ers’ initial accusations.
The veteran coach explained that injured players are on different schedules than the rest of the team. That could account for some of Aiyuk’s absences from team activities, according to Shanahan.
The 49ers improved to 7-4 on the season with a win over the Arizona Cardinals in Brock Purdy’s return from injury. San Francisco squares off against the Carolina Panthers on Monday Night Football in Week 12.
