In his rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jalen Carter has lived up to the lofty expectations that surrounded him as he entered the NFL. Displaying a combination of raw talent and adaptability, Carter’s rookie campaign has been nothing short of impressive, even though he narrowly missed out on the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year title, which went to Will Anderson Jr.
Over the course of 16 games, the young defensive tackle showcased his ability to make impactful plays. Carter amassed 33 tackles, six sacks, nine quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles. In a notable highlight, he even returned a fumble for a touchdown. These statistics are a testament to his skill and determination on the field, ranking him second among rookie defensive tackles in sacks and tying for second in quarterback hits. Additionally, he shared the top spot for tackles for loss with eight.
Adapting and Experimenting
Carter's versatility was put to the test early on by the Eagles' coaching staff. Under the guidance of Vic Fangio, the defensive schematics saw Carter being utilized in various positions during training camp. "It's good. It's fun. I actually haven't been on the edge that much, but I always tell them if you need me anywhere, we got a package for it when I'm on the edge, and we'll see what happens," Carter explained. His willingness to adapt was crucial for the Eagles, who occasionally lined him up on the edge in certain defensive packages.
The departure of longtime defensive line leader Fletcher Cox left significant shoes to fill, and Carter seemed ready for the challenge. Drawing parallels between his current NFL role and his collegiate experience at Georgia, Carter noted, "I’m looking forward to it a lot. It reminds me when I was at Georgia. I was behind JD [Jordan Davis], Travon Walker, all of them good guys. And when them guys went into the draft, it was me and my class coming up, and we had to take that step and take a big role in trying to win another national championship."
Competitive and Focused
Jalen Carter’s comparative analysis of NFL competition versus college play further underscores his competitive nature. "I look at it as the same. It's just the league. It's going to be way better competition," he stated. Embracing the challenge, he has been a crucial player for the Eagles, showing his keen understanding of the higher stakes and elevated level of play in the NFL.
Even though Carter did not achieve the Defensive Player of the Year title, his ambitions remain high, with a clear focus on team success. "I keep my goals private, man, because I didn't get my defensive player of the year. I just want to be the best. I want to connect with my team. The main goal is to win the Super Bowl," he shared. This mindset not only highlights his personal aspirations but also reflects his commitment to collective achievement.
Getting Back to the Game
After taking the longest break from football since his freshman year in college, Carter was more than ready to hit the gridiron. "I was ready to play for a long time. That was the longest break I had from football since the start of my freshman year in college. So just getting back to it, I was ready, and I just made a play," he recalled. This readiness translated into a memorable moment during the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, where he nearly secured a sack on his very first NFL snap.
Jalen Carter’s rookie season illustrates the journey of a promising player adjusting to the rigors of professional football. He has proven he can make a significant impact on the field while demonstrating the flexibility and dedication required to adapt to new roles. As the Eagles look forward to future seasons, Carter’s continued growth and contributions will be instrumental in their quest for success.