Jalen Carter ‘Doing Better Every Week’

Rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter is having an energizing effect on the Eagles’ veteran defensive line according to Sean Desai.

Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator says Jalen Carter is a quick and eager learner. That, allied with his eye-catching displays on the field, has people talking about the 2023 No.9 pick.

In Sunday’s win over the Rams, Jalen Carter had four tackles, two sacks, two QB hits and four QB pressures. Through five games so far, he has 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, four QB hits and 12 tackles. His 25 pressures are 9 more than any other rookie defensive tackle has managed in their first five games.

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“It’s impressive how much he loves football,” Sean Desai said. 

“He’s like a sponge, he’s asking for feedback. He’s getting coached hard. And even from his peers, he’s taking a lot of coaching from his peers, and whoever he can feel like he can get information from, a lot of guys are teaching him.

“We obviously see the kind of player he is and that he can be and continues to grow in that role and continues to keep doing better and better every week,” Desai said. “There are things he keeps improving on.”

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“He’s a sponge, wants to keep getting better, keep being a big part of this defense and impacting and he’s taking ownership,” Desai added.

“In terms of ripple effect, anytime somebody makes a play, it’s an amplifier, energy,” Desai said.

“It brings a tremendous amount of energy to the rest of the guys on the squad and he’s a guy that’s been making plays.”