In Week 5 of the NFL season, Philadelphia Eagles rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter walked into SoFi Stadium for the first time to play in a game versus the Los Angeles Rams. He walked out having stacked four tackles, two of which resulted in a loss of yardage. He also racked up two sacks and two additional hits on the quarterback. We could stop right there, but we won't.
Just five games into the current Birds campaign, Carter, in a rotational role has manufactured 12 tackles including four TFLs, 3.5 sacks, four additional QB hits, and two forced fumbles. It may be a bit premature, but we're beginning to feel NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year vibes.
Eagles news: Former Bird and fan favorite Chris Long, Philly media keep the Jalen Carter love fest going.
We always reference his natural ability. We always discuss his intangibles. Rarely do we discuss his preparation, but we MUST do so more often.
Jalen Carter is more than a freakish athlete. His football I.Q. is through the roof. He's a student of the game with an unquenchable thirst, and that's beginning to pay off for him.
Recently, a man who has long earned his wings shared his thoughts. Chris Long weighed in on Monday. We're all ears Chris! We're all ears!
Chris isn't the only member of what's become an ever-growing fan club. Jalen Carter's brilliance has been discussed all season.
Things may have elevated some since his phenomenal effort in Week 5. Check out what some of the guys who keep us abreast of what the Eagles are doing have been saying.
Talk about rave reviews!
“He was just an immature kid and people were scared off, and they handed maybe a generational player to the best roster in football. The whole league should be disgusted at themselves.”
— JAKIB Sports (@JAKIBSports) October 10, 2023
— @JFMcMullen on Jalen Carter pic.twitter.com/r4JVg9U3u5
Jalen Carter is the third Eagle to produce 3.5+ sacks in their first 5 career games, joining...
— John Gonoude (@john_gonoude) October 8, 2023
Corey Simon (4.0 in 2000)
Reggie White (4.5 in 1985)#FlyEaglesFly
“He might be the second-best defensive lineman you’ve had in the last 40 years, and that’s saying a lot because everyone knows who I’m talking about.”
— JAKIB Sports (@JAKIBSports) October 9, 2023
— @DanSileoShow on Jalen Carter pic.twitter.com/0EvP3fnIgP
Most pressures by DT -- 2023 #NFL season
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) October 10, 2023
Aaron Donald -- 23
Jalen Carter -- 23 #Eagles
Jalen Carter is your highest-graded rookie defender. 🔥#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/2cNilVBUjw
— JAKIB Sports (@JAKIBSports) October 9, 2023
Pro Football Focus decided to weigh in as well. So did the Eagles social media team. It's safe to say the word has gotten out.
Guess who 👀@breadmanjalen | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/DK5PmWbCpG
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 9, 2023
Jalen Carter among rookies defenders:
— PFF (@PFF) October 9, 2023
▪️ 91.8 PFF Grade (1st)
▪️ 3.5 sacks (1st)
▪️ 23 pressures (1st)
▪️ 20.9% win rate (1st) pic.twitter.com/tmNZMCyl6h
The votes have been counted, The people have spoken. Philly got a steal at the ninth-overall selection.
Look no further than Week 6's performance if you're still confused about how good Jalen Carter has been for the Philadelphia Eagles this season.
Is the hype real? It most certainly is. Look at it this way. Let this sink in for a second.
In Week 5 versus the Los Angeles Rams, Philly was forced to do all that they could to neutralize the great Aaron Donald, and they did. Get this. With a future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee standing on the other sideline, Jalen Carter was, without question, the best interior defensive lineman on the field.
Sure, some of that is attributable to Philly's fantastic offensive line. Some of that is due to Jalen's ability. Let's just say the rookie is special.
At the time of this story's release, there are still 12 games that are left to be played this season. Maybe we are jumping the gun, but here's where we stand at Inside The Iggles. We have seen enough.
Jalen Carter is the truth. He's the real deal. He's just as talented as some of the best interior defensive linemen who have ever come through this franchise. If he stays healthy and he is coached properly, the sky is the limit.
You're looking at the birth of one of the next great Eagles. He's going to be good for a very long time.