New York Giants rookie edge defender Abdul Carter didn’t see a full slate of snaps in Saturday night’s preseason win over the New York Jets, but that didn’t stop him from soaking in the moment of his first game at MetLife Stadium.
“I enjoyed it,” Carter said afterward. “I didn’t get to play a full game. I just can’t wait to play a full game, but it was fun.”
Carter, the highly-touted No. 3 overall pick, rotated in at multiple spots along the defensive front a role he’s already grown accustomed to. Whether it was lining up on the edge or sliding inside as a three-technique, Carter showed no hesitation.
“I’ve been doing it for a long time, so it’s pretty much nothing for me at this point,” he said. “I just do what my coaches ask.”
One of his snaps drew plenty of social media attention when a Jets tight end caught him off guard. Carter didn’t dwell on it.
“It happens, but we got the win,” he shrugged. “That’s all I’m worried about.”
What the 21-year-old is focused on now is building consistency and earning more reps. He knows the preseason comes with limited opportunities.
“That’s going to come. I’m patient,” Carter said. “Right now, in preseason, we’ve got things that I can’t control, so I’ve just got to control what I can control. When I’m in there, just do what I do best.”
For Carter, that means creating pressure no matter where he’s lined up. Rushing from the interior is still a new wrinkle, but one he sees as a chance to use his speed.
“Inside, you don’t have the same path to the quarterback, but at the same time it’s shorter,” he explained. “I’ve just got to win with quickness. I just do what I do.”
Asked whether he feels the jump in speed from college to the pros, Carter said the adjustment hasn’t been overwhelming.
“I haven’t felt much of a difference yet, but obviously I want to play a full game so I can actually tell a difference.”
With the regular-season opener against Washington just weeks away, Carter believes he’ll be ready when called upon.
“I’m ready whenever, so I can line up tomorrow and be ready,” he said. “In due time.”
