'That S*** Is Crazy!' Philadelphia Eagles Locker Room Reacts to Rookie Jalen Carter
Some members of the Philadelphia Eagles can't quite believe what they are seeing out of top rookie Jalen Carter, who keyed the team's Week 3 blowout of the Tampa Bay Bucs on "Monday Night Football.''
“That is a grown man,'' said Eagles cornerback Darius Slay of Carter's dominant start to his career following this 25-11 win. This s*** is crazy!''
What has pushed the Eagles to the unbeaten level through the first three game weeks? Mostly defense, as coach Nick Sirianni conceded that QB Jalen Hurts and the offense is not yet as their "best.''
The Eagles' Jalen Carter
USA Today
But Carter, the first-round pick from Georgia, has been a monster with his defensive impact at the line of scrimmage. One play on "MNF'' jumps out, when Carter pried the ball loose from the hands of Buccaneers running back Rachaad White.
“You gotta punch as hard as you can to get the ball out,” said Carter in detailing his effort. “Running backs work on holding the ball, keeping it tight, but I feel like if you punch hard enough you can get it out.”
Last year, as good as the Eagles were, they were tied for 16th in the league in run defense. They entered this game ranked first in run defense. And now? They have forced eight turnovers in three games, six of which are forced fumbles, and they are the only team with multiple takeaways in every game this year.
“This defense is awesome,” said Carter. “I love this defense. Everybody trusts one another, plays their roles, and does what they have to do.''
Beyond that notable forced fumble, Carter also totaled five pressures, a quarterback hit, and 0.5 sacks — an overall stellar game from the 22-year old.
The Eagles selected Carter amid some behavioral concerns. But those things are certainly not issues now as the rebuilt Philly defense is rallying around the talented 22-year-old, who seems capable of even more "crazy stuff'' as he increases his feel for the pro game.
