After an underwhelming first half of his rookie season, Abdul Carter is finally looking like the No. 3 overall pick. After the Giants benched him multiple times for disciplinary reasons, Carter has seemed to find an extra gear in his game.
Following a career outing in Week 15, it’s clear that Carter has All-Pro capabilities given his dominant pressures, great run defense, and game-changing plays.
Constant Pressures Finally Turning Into Sacks
Getting past offensive linemen has not been a problem this year for Abdul Carter, as he is 17th in the NFL in pressures, per NFL Pro; the change in recent weeks has been turning pressures into sacks. Before Week 13, Carter had only 0.5 sacks on the season. Since then, he has had two sacks, and it has made all the difference.
Struggling to convert pressures to sacks is not uncommon for edge rushers. Once they do finally start landing the big play, the floodgates open. With his supreme athleticism and bend, Carter has been able to get to the quarterback quickly, placing him fourth in the league in quick pressures.
Still, if he can turn more of these pressures into negative plays, he will skyrocket into Pro Bowl discussions.
Pivotal Run Defender
The Giants’ run defense is nothing to write home about; New York is 31st in rushing yards allowed, last in yards per attempt, and fifth-worst in rushing touchdowns. Despite this horrid run defense, Carter has been a bright spot in the area.
The Penn State product is third on the team in stops (29) and is continuing to improve at forcing the running back to funnel inside towards the linebackers. There is still progress to be made in the run game, specifically on read options and more refined tackling. Nevertheless, he has been one of the better run defenders on a struggling rushing defense.
In Store For More Forced Turnovers
Carter has made multiple game-changing plays in his rookie campaign, starting in Week 1 when he blocked a punt. For the season, he has two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
He has a special ability to get to the ball, and with him getting to the quarterback and ball carrier more often, he is sure to make even more game-altering plays.
Does He Have a Chance at DROY?
Carson Schwesinger, the Cleveland Browns’ rookie linebacker, is the current favorite with Defensive Rookie of the Year, with Carter in fifth place. It will take a stellar final three games to put together a solid case for the award, but with a weaker strength of schedule remaining and his recent great play, there is a clear pathway to his success.
Carter has shown in the past few games what his potential is as a pro. With continued motivation and opportunities, he will become one of the league’s prominent young stars.
Leave a comment