There’s been a ton of hype surrounding Giants rookie pass-rusher Abdul Carter, but the former Penn State standout was humbled on one play against the Jets on Saturday.
The No. 3 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft has impressed in camp and turned heads in his preseason debut last week when he generated two pressures against Buffalo’s All-Pro offensive lineman Dion Dawkins.
But he was manhandled in one sequence against the Giants’ New York rivals as he was knocked to the ground twice in quick succession.
As Carter attempted to get to the quarterback, he was shoulder-checked to the ground by tight end Stone Smartt.
He then tried to get to his feet but was quickly knocked down again by tackle Chukwuma Okorafor.
Ultimately, he ended the game with just one assisted tackle as Big Blue notched an emphatic 31-12 win.
Giants pass-rusher Abdul Carter was humbled in one play against the Jets on Saturday
Carter was knocked the ground by the Jets’ Stone Smartt before Chukwuma Okorafor knocked him down too
Carter’s teammates – including receiver Malik Nabers – have been effusive in their praise of the linebacker this offseason.
‘That dude is a animal,’ Nabers told Kay Adams on her ‘Up & Adams’ show.
‘When you watch the explosiveness, the ability for him to turn his body, spin his body. I can’t wait for people to actually see him… he’s got an arsenal, and I can’t wait for him to unleash it.’
Offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor, who has been going up against Carter in practice, also had some extremely kind words for the rookie.
‘He has traits that you can’t teach. Certain things that – everyone has talent because you’re in the NFL, everyone has hard work and determination – but there’s a little thing that God just blessed you with that he has that I can count on one hand that guys in the NFL have,’ he said, via NorthJersey.com.
‘That’s not to put any unrealistic expectations on his shoulders, but the sky is the limit for that kid – even higher than the sky.’
On Saturday, the Giants moved to 2-0 in the preseason with a 31-12 win over the Jets, as rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart impressed once again.
The first-round pick completed 14 of 16 passes for 137 yards and another touchdown after tallying his first passing score against Buffalo.
The Giants will play the Patriots in their final preseason test next week before traveling to the Commanders for Week 1 on September 7.
