Abdul Carter hasn’t spent enough time in the NFL to fully grasp that preseason can be a bit of a mystery.
During the Giants’ training camp, can the rookie showcase the best of his pass-rushing skills in his first game with the Bills on Saturday?
“No, I put everything on film,” Carter stated. “I’m just out there, doing my best.”
He’s feeling good about what he’s learned after leading the nation with 22.5 tackles last season at Penn State. Being the third pick in the draft, he seems to fit well into the Giants’ plans on the defensive line.
Is he feeling let down that he can’t make a mark by pressuring superstar quarterback Josh Allen? After all, the reigning NFL MVP is set to face Mitch Trubisky at the helm.
“It doesn’t matter who’s out there for me,” Carter emphasized. “This is a fantastic opportunity to put my skills to the test in a real game. I’m really excited.”
Is the transition to the NFL tougher than he thought it would be?
“No, it’s nothing overly complicated,” he explained. “Sure, there are details from college, but in the NFL, the focus on detail is much more intense. That’s the main difference.”
Carter seems to mesh well with other pass rushers like Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, while also showing versatility along the line.
“The talent speaks for itself,” noted defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. “He’s instinctive and is always finding a way to make plays.”
“He’s naturally good at bending, leaning, and it’s our job not to overload him with too much,” Bowen added.
During camp, Carter’s spin move gained attention online and from teammates.
“It’s wild to see Abdul pull off those spins,” remarked linebacker Darius Musau.
But there’s more to his game than just those moves. He has a range of techniques that he plans to showcase when it matters most.
“There’s more space on the edges. The inside can be tight, but you have to find other ways to succeed,” he shared. “There’s speed inside too. I can leverage my strength and vary my approach.”
Carter is one of the few players expected to make a significant impact for the Giants, though he’s keeping the starter’s playing time close to the chest. His teammates are optimistic about what’s to come.
“I don’t want to say too much about Abdul, as he’ll show you on the field,” Burns acknowledged. “But trust me, he’s someone to watch.”
And it seems the show is just beginning.
