Jalen Carter isn't one to do a whole lot of talking about himself. Ask him about what he learned in his rookie season of 2023, when he served notice to the league that he was an immediate-impact defensive tackle, and he talks about the here, the now.
"It's a new year," he said, "and it's a new me."
That's the truth: Carter is a year older and has the wisdom gained from his first season, an All-Rookie campaign during which Carter collected 6 quarterback sacks, 8 tackles for loss, 33 total tackles, 47 pressures, and a couple of forced fumbles. With his quickness combined with a ferocity to his game and the kind of strength that you just don't see every day, Carter gained the respect of every blocking scheme and offensive lineman.
Now he's out to do more and his next step is something the Eagles are banking on. The young trio of Carter (second season), Jordan Davis (third season), and Milton Williams (fourth season) lead the way at defensive tackle and they're expected to be productive, dominating tackles and veteran leaders at the same time. The presence of star veteran Fletcher Cox is no longer there to provide a how-to manual on the position, so the young fellas need to grow up now.
"I take that responsibility," Carter said. "I got a lot of people knowing they looking up to me. I got my whole family looking up to me and want to see me do good. So I know I've got a lot of weight on my shoulders.
"It's no pressure. It's been like this my whole life. Football is a sport that I love and I just keep getting better every day."
Carter understands the big picture: He is expected to win inside and help the defense take control of the line of scrimmage. That's it. Period. Win up front. Wreak havoc on the blocking schemes that will no doubt shade toward No. 98.
Be a dominating force.
New Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio made his plans for Carter very clear when Fangio conducted his first press conference after being hired. It was in early May and Fangio was asked about Carter and he immediately laid down the challenge and the vision.
"I think he's talented enough that no matter what we do with him, we'll be maximizing him," Fangio said. "He's got to get in great shape, which I think he's off to a great start here, so we can play him a lot."
We have all wondered about Fangio and his scheme and how he will implement his players, and that is very important. So are the players themselves. The Jimmies and the Joes matter here, as much as do the X's and the O's.
Carter has to be a force. Bottom line.
"I'm embracing that," he said. "I'm excited about being here, this defense, and my role. It's been going good and we're getting the defense down and getting better every day. When it's time, we will be ready to play."
A new year. A new Jalen Carter. And all kinds of possibilities for a young man with a world of ability the Eagles are counting on to emerge every week in this 2024 season.
