A Highlight of Jalen Carter: What the Chiefs Need to Do to Contain Him
As the Philadelphia Eagles face off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, one of the key players to watch on the Eagles’ defense is Jalen Carter. Carter has been a rock star for the Philly D, and the Chiefs will need to develop a strategy to contain him if they hope to emerge victorious.
According to former NFL lineman Geoff Schwartz, the first step is to use the scheme to target Carter in the run game and build in help in the passing game. With Carter playing almost exclusively on the left side of the defense, the Chiefs can plan for where he will be each snap. This allows them to attempt to take advantage of his alignment, but the menu is limited since Carter plays inside against a defensive end on the edge who is more exposed.
Schwartz suggests that the two styles of run plays that can help an offense against Carter are an inside zone with a tight end “slicing” back or a trap-type run. These runs aim to hit Carter from different angles, slowing him down if he’s looking around for where he’s getting hit post-snap. They are also potential body-blow opportunities that can cumulatively slow Carter down throughout the game.
The nature of these runs only allows them to run a couple of times a game, but they are designer runs that professional ballplayers will figure out quickly. Another option is to use double teams between the right guard and right tackle to move Carter off the ball, with plays like duo and power moves offering more opportunities to get more bodies on Carter and use everything within the rule book to frustrate him.
When it comes to pass rush, Carter has two main moves: an inside club move and a quick outside double-hand swipe. He thrives when he’s on the move, using his inside arm to get the offensive guard off balance. However, Carter is a unique pass rusher, and Schwartz recommends punching him quickly to get his hands on him quickly. By inviting him to rush down the center and using the outside arm to stun him, the Chiefs can mess with Carter’s timing and make his secondary move predictable.
Blocking Carter will be a team effort for the Chiefs, requiring double teams in the run game and techniques that don’t give him space to hit his pass rush moves. It’s a tall task, but if the Chiefs can execute their strategy, they may be able to contain Carter and come out on top in the Super Bowl.
