As the 8-1 Eagles prepare for a deep playoff run, one of the reasons why Eagles fans and NFL critics are predicting the Eagles to soar high in the upcoming playoffs, is the standout play of rookie Defensive Tackle, rookie Jalen Carter.
Rookie Jalen Carter Continues to Impress
NFL analysts have been consistent in recent days in grading Jalen Carter’s performance and ability to close the gap an wreak havoc. Carter has been so dominant on the field that Eagles general manager, Howie Roseman considers Carter “a home run addition,” and Eagles fans continue to drive up sports betting in Pennsylvania, to support what NFL analysts consider as the unanimous Defensive Rookie of the Year.
For Eagles fans and football fans, it might seem perplexing now that at one time, multiple Georgia coaches declined to go to bat for Carter during the pre-draft process, in part because they had grown disenchanted with his practice habits and attitude.
But his work ethic has drawn strong reviews from his current teammates and coaches. The Eagles felt they were uniquely equipped to help Carter stay on the right path thanks to the presence of veteran leaders like Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham. Cox has assumed a lead role as mentor.
Brandon Graham had this to say about playing with Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis: “I tell them boys (Carter and Davis) keep feeding off each other, keep motivating each other, bring each other along, and follow the right ones. Like I told them, they should be commanding a lot of money. They shouldn’t be on the same team, but (general manager) Howie (Roseman) is a magician. He made it work.”
Under Cox’s and Graham’s tutelage, rookie Jalen Carter has immensely worked on his one-three technique to become an absolute defensive monster and Offensive Coordinator’s nightmare, so much so that Carter is drawing early comparisons to the late, great Defensive Lineman, Reggie White, who won the 1985 Defensive Player of The Year for the Eagles.
Even though Cox missed Sunday’s game with a back ailment, Carter responded with his biggest game of the year to lead the Eagles to a convincing 28-23 win against NFL East rival, Dallas Cowboys. Throughout the game, Cox moved along the line, giving the Cowboys new looks and the NFL glimpses of future dominant outings to come.
Jalen Carter is a rookie getting triple teamed 😂 I don’t wanna hear about nobody else being DROTY
— ʟᴇᴇᴍ 🦇 (@RunHurts) November 12, 2023
Jalen Carter’s Coming Out Party
Against the Cowboys, standout rookie Jalen Carter posted four sacks in a recent game, showcasing his impact on the defensive side of the ball. He played the fourth most snaps among Philadelphia’s defensive linemen in a game against Dallas.
Throughout his rookie campaign, Carter has been a significant contributor to the defense, playing close to 70% of the team’s defensive plays in a specific game and nearly 50% for the season despite missing a game. And as Carter improves with each passing game, you can expect the Eagles to improve his workload, as an obvious sign of confidence that he is the right man to anchor the defense for years to come.
Can Rookie Jalen Carter Lead the Eagles to the Promised Land?
Currently, the Eagles are on their bye week getting ready to take on the Chiefs. There’s no doubt that heading into the season, the Eagles were driven from their painful defeat by the Chiefs in last year’s Super Bowl, losing by only a field goal. With Jalen Carter’s dominance rising every week, you can believe that it hasn’t escaped Chiefs’ Head Coach Andy Reid. If Carter can dominate or slow down the Mahomes-to-Kelce connection en route to Eagles victory, you can believe that the Eagles faithful will believe like never before, that this is their year to win it all.
