Deonte Banks secured a dramatic 36-24 victory for the New York Giants over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at MetLife Stadium with a game-ending 98-yard interception return for a touchdown. The young cornerback intercepted a pass from Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett near the Giants’ 2-yard line as the clock expired, sealing the win and completing a tense defensive stand late in the fourth quarter.

Banks’ decisive pick-six came shortly after he was penalized for a controversial pass interference call earlier in the game. Despite that setback, the cornerback refused to settle for just a game-clinching interception, opting instead to run the entire length of the field for a touchdown. “No, f--k it, no. I was going for the touchdown,” Banks said afterward. Teammate Greg Newsome II supported the aggressive approach, noting that head coach John Harbaugh also favors interceptions returned for scores.

Harbaugh acknowledged briefly considering whether Banks should have downed the ball to end the game but trusted the player’s judgment. “It did cross my mind, but you have to trust him,” Harbaugh said. “It shows it was in there the whole time, and he found it.” Banks, a first-round pick in 2023, has faced challenges during his early NFL career, moving from starter to bench player. The arrival of Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson has brought renewed faith and a system tailored to Banks’ strengths in press-man coverage.

The Giants improved to 3-1, marking their best home start in 18 years, largely fueled by Banks’ resilience and playmaking. The victory also benefited from strong performances by others, including wide receiver Malik Nabers, who caught six passes for 112 yards and scored his first touchdown since recovering from a torn ACL in 2025.

On the Arizona side, quarterback Jacoby Brissett began the game effectively but struggled as it progressed, finishing with three interceptions and limited production in the second half—completing just 11 of 20 passes for 90 yards.

Harbaugh also addressed the contentious pass interference call on Banks, expressing surprise and noting uncertainty about the standards for such penalties. The Giants’ defensive effort, combined with Banks’ game-winning play, was a defining factor in what became a key early-season victory for New York.