Two years ago, the Philadelphia Eagles rolled the dice on a talented prospect that came with multiple red flags.
Jalen Carter looked like a can't-miss talent, yet some reported character issues drove multiple teams away. Fast forward to today, and the former No. 9 pick finally showed why several teams gladly passed on him on NFL draft night, as he was ejected for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott before the very first play of the season.
That's why Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio won't cut Carter any slack. If anything, the veteran DC will hold his defender accountable and demand nothing but greatness from his talented defensive tackle.
Eagles DC Vic Fangio Calls Out Jalen Carter
"To be considered a leader, actions speak louder than words. And (Carter) has to speak with his actions," Fangio told reporters on Tuesday morning, according to PHLY Sports' EJ Smith.
From a talent perspective, there's no doubt that the Georgia product could and should be one of the leaders of that defense. The Eagles clearly missed him in the season opener, as they gave up 119 rushing yards to a Dallas Cowboys team with a questionable backfield at best. However, it takes much more than just talent to be a star in this league.
Carter knows he's going to be on thin ice going forward. He apologized for allowing his temper to get the best of him, and he vowed that it would be the last time he's tangled up in something like that:
“It was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won’t happen again,” Carter said after the win, per ESPN. “I feel bad for my teammates and the fans out there... It won’t happen again. I can make that promise.”
NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the league would likely announce a hefty fine and suspension on Monday. That wasn't the case. Even so, fellow insider Mike Florio believes that it's still pretty much a possibility.
“Per a source with knowledge of the situation, however, a suspension is still on the table. We’re also told that the decision is currently being finalized,” Florio wrote.
The Eagles rolled the dice on a polarizing prospect who seemed to be his own worst enemy. Week 1's ejection was an isolated incident, but given Carter's track record, it's worrisome nonetheless. Now, the ball is in his court, and it'll be up to him to prove that his team can depend on him when things get tough, with his first test coming against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2.