As the 2023 NFL season nears its final two football weekends, attention is shifting towards the upcoming post-season honors and accolades. Among the finalists for the prestigious AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award is Jalen Carter, a promising rookie DT for the Eagles.
The finalists for the award include Carter, Will Anderson, Joey Porter Jr., Kobie Turner, and Devon Witherspoon. The winner will be announced on February 8th during the NFL Honors broadcast.
The first-year player for the Eagles was impressive in his first appearance as a pass rusher, concluding the season with 18 instances of pressuring the opposing quarterback, 9 successful hits on the QB, and recording 6.0 sacks. Additionally, he made a noteworthy contribution to the team with 33 tackles overall and an impressive 8 tackles resulting in a loss of yards.
In his first week of play, he displayed undeniable dominance and maintained a consistent level of performance for the following months. Carter consistently made impactful plays, exerting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and participating in 51 percent of the defensive snaps in the 2023 season. However, it was without a doubt his remarkable play in Week 14, where he secured his spot as a top contender for the Defensive Rookie of the Year title. This was highlighted by his impressive 42-yard fumble recovery and touchdown against the Cowboys.
The Eagles defense faced numerous challenges and had several weaknesses, but Carter’s talent was evident, especially considering the recent announcement that Vic Fangio will become the team’s Defensive Coordinator in 2024. This suggests that the young defensive tackle will make significant progress in his second year.
Despite the various hurdles and vulnerabilities experienced by the Eagles defense, Carter’s skills stood out, particularly in light of the news that Vic Fangio will take over as the team’s Defensive Coordinator in 2024. This implies that the promising young defensive tackle will make notable strides in his sophomore season.
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