The Philadelphia Eagles dropped to 2-2 on the season after falling to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4. Head coach Nick Sirianni and company need to find ways to improve on their flaws, but Michael Carter II showed he should be a mainstay in the starting lineup.
Through the first three weeks, Carter II and Marcus Epps were rotating at safety. Yet, in the game against the Rams, Carter II got the start, and Philadelphia should keep him in the lineup going forward.
Michael Carter II just made a strong case to stay in Eagles' lineup
Epps was sidelined for this game due to a groin injury. That led to Carter II getting the runway, and he played well in that contest. He played in 76 defensive snaps (90 percent), while also logging some snaps on special teams.
That was the most he played this season, finishing with four total tackles and three pass deflections. Carter II was also a reliable tackler, posting a season-high 80.9 tackling grade per Pro Football Focus.
For a team that is searching for answers, Carter II's performance shouldn't go under the radar. Safety has been a problem area for Philadelphia, so getting some positive play there is a step in the right direction.
Meanwhile, when Epps was in the lineup, he had his fair share of issues. Tackling was one of them, as he finished with a 37 or lower tackling grade on PFF in Weeks 2 and 3. We all know that isn't good enough, and the Eagles need to find answers.
Carter II gave Philadelphia something that they've been searching for. And that's stability. Playing well against a high-powered offense like the Los Angeles Rams is something else that should give Carter II some extra points.
Throughout his NFL career, Carter II has played mostly cornerback, but going back to his college days, he played safety. He has familiarity with the position, and as he plays more, he'll get more comfortable on the back end.
Andrew Mukuba, who has struggled himself, also played well against the Rams. He posted four tackles and an interception. On PFF, Mukuba finished with season-highs in defensive grade (74.7) and coverage grade (73.4).
It doesn't seem to be a coincidence that his best game came with Carter II in the lineup. The Eagles know they need to improve in several areas. Carter II will need to prove it again, but his performance in Week 4 should give him the chance to see if he can replicate it.
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They don't have anything to lose. Carter II looked better than Epps has all season, and Philadelphia should keep him in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future.
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