Abdul Carter
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Abdul Carter clapped back at the New York Jets after a preseason lowlight featuring the New York Giants' rookie.
He made the preseason highlights film for all the wrong reasons, but New York Giants rookie edge-rusher Abdul Carter isn’t going to let Week 2’s opponents the New York Jets have the last laugh.
The third-overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft couldn’t avoid taking some heat after being flattened by backup tight end Stone Smartt during Big Blue’s 31-12 win on Saturday, August 16.
A crushing chip block sent Carter tumbling to the turf at MetLife Stadium, but he was diplomatic with the media, telling reporters, including ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, “That happens but we got the win. That’s all I’m worried about.”
That was the sanitized response, but Carter was less philosophical when he posted a message on his own ‘X’ account. It read, “might be the only highlight of the Jets all season and we put BTA. weak ass chip ate that [expletive] like bbq.”
Carter’s defiant, but he’s going to have to take this on the chin (literally). Ironically, the Jets adopting such a physical approach and double-teaming him is a compliment to Carter and how quickly he’s already become a menace at this level.
Abdul Carter Already a Marked Man
It hasn’t taken long for Carter to merit special attention from NFL opponents. The Jets putting multiple hats on No. 51 was inevitable after Carter proved especially destructive against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1.
Carter demonstrated the dangers of leaving him one-on-one by routinely getting around Buffalo’s Pro Bowl left tackle Dion Dawkins. This inside move had Dawkins (73) snatching at air and gave Carter a free path to the quarterback.
Rushing inside already looks like a signature weapon for Carter, with a three-time Defensive Player of the Year endorsing the move. It worked against Dawkins for one of several pass-rush wins the Jets no doubt saw on tape and planned to avoid.
Carter must get used to teams putting a crowd around him and taking every chance to deliver some heavy hits. It may be frustrating for the former Penn State standout, but other members of the Giants’ front seven should thrive thanks to Carter’s presence.
Loaded Giants Pass Rush Can Solve Abdul Carter Problem
He can expect some double teams, but opponents won’t be able to commit extra blockers to Carter without leaving another marquee pass-rusher one-on-one. That’s great news for fellow edge defender Brian Burns, who has also looked dominant this preseason.
As New York Post Sports host Brandon London detailed, with the help of Next Gen Stats, Burns “is one of the best in the league when it comes to quick pressures, that’s pressures under three seconds.”
The Burns and Carter double act will be highly disruptive off the edges, but the Giants also have other-worldly nose tackle Dexter Lawrence II to collapse the inside of the pocket. Additionally, outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux and versatile front-line hybrid Chauncey Golston will be formidable supporting acts.
This is a group with the potential to be the best in the league. A collective featuring more than enough minders to take the heat off Carter and maybe even dole out some retribution if the first-year pro is subjected to more rough treatment.