Jalen Carter was an absolute menace for the Eagles in second half

At one point Sunday, it appeared that Jared Verse — who embraced the heel role — was going to wreck the game and lead the Los Angeles Rams to an upset of the Eagles. But it was Jalen Carter who was the most dominant defensive player in the second half as the Eagles held off Matthew Stafford and company to win 28-22. 

With the Eagles clinging to a 16-15 fourth-quarter lead after Jalen Hurts was sacked in the end zone for a safety, the Rams handed the ball to running back Kyren Williams, looking to start a go-ahead drive.

Jalen Carter causing the fumble 💪 pic.twitter.com/tv6bUDqHAb

— On Pattison (@OnPattison) January 19, 2025

Carter had other plans, punching the ball out. The fumble was picked up by cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and returned 40 yards, with the Eagles eventually adding onto their lead with a 23-yard field goal from Jake Elliott. 

Things would get way too close for comfort late in the fourth quarter, with the Rams driving deep into Eagles territory and looking poised to score the go-ahead touchdown. But on third-and-two from the Eagles' 13-yard line, Carter broke through Los Angeles' offensive line and sacked Stafford for a nine-yard loss: 

THE BIG DAWG IS HUNGRY!
JALEN CARTER SACK 😤#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/xReEEiux7Y

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 19, 2025

That disgusting swim move from Carter put the Rams — who needed a touchdown — in a fourth-and-11. Stafford threw an errant pass in the direction of Puka Nacua on fourth down, turning the ball over on downs and effectively ending the game. 

Carter finished his third career postseason game with three quarterback hits, two sacks, two tackles for a loss and a forced fumble. 

Even though he was a Second-Team All-Pro this season, it feels like there's been a little hesitancy to embrace Carter as one of the faces of the Eagles. There were some character concerns on him coming out of Georgia, which led to him falling into the Eagles' laps with the No. 9 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. There have been some moments over his first two NFL seasons where it's clear that the 23-year-old still has some maturing to do as a person. 

As a player, though, he looks the part of someone who could put together a Hall of Fame-caliber career. And if Carter is one day celebrated in Canton, Ohio, his fourth-quarter sack of Stafford figures to be one of the key moments in his highlight reel.