Lorenzo Carter is among the New York Giants‘ players with significant expectations for this coming season. Through two preseason games so far, Carter has flashed potential, but more is yet to come.
It is going to take more than just a stellar sophomore season from Saquon Barkley or a flashback to a younger version of Eli Manning for the New York Giants to build a successful season. New York boasted a 5-11 record a season ago, good for the last place in the NFC East. That was even with five eventual Pro Bowlers.
To build a truly successful season, the Giants need to witness growth and impact from key contributors aside from the big names. Last year’s third-round pick Lorenzo Carter is among those that fit the bill. In 2018, the Giant’s third-round selection out of Georgia tallied 30 solo tackles and four sacks in his rookie season (Pro Football Reference). In 2019, New York would love to see Carter build on his experience, particularly in the ability to rush the passer.
Throughout training camp, New York has gushed about Lorenzo Carter’s potential, and it seems he is a prime candidate to have a substantial sophomore season in the Big Apple. Despite it being a small (and relatively unimportant) sample size, how has Carter fared through two preseason games so far? What does it spell for his impact going forward this season?
Preseason Performance
As is well known, the NFL preseason carries little to no importance in the grand scheme of assessing a team’s potential. Still, starters or vital contributors will see action at some point, whether or not it comes going against an opponent’s respective starters or backup players. Lorenzo Carter has seen action in both of the Giants’ two preseason games, so how has he fared so far?
In their August 8th matchup with the New York Jets, Lorenzo Carter registered just one tackle, though it was recorded for a loss. In Week two of the preseason against the Chicago Bears, Carter recorded three combined tackles. Of those three registered tackles, one was solo while the remaining two were for a loss. A small sample size nonetheless, but Carter did impact the game in the time when he saw the field.
Flashes of Potential
Preseason is a limited sample size, but it can be telling nonetheless. So far throughout the preseason, we’ve seen Lorenzo Carter contribute an impact the game, no matter the limited amount of action. For a potential key contributor this coming season it is a pleasant sight to see.
Nonetheless, the ability to pressure the quarterback has become almost imperative in today’s NFL, and the importance of the pass rusher has never been greater. For Carter, this is the area in which he can truly make an impact and make a name for himself in 2019. Last year he totaled just four sacks, but the Giants’ would love to see that number increase. Are double-digit sacks too lofty a goal, or a realistic expectation? Time will tell, but so far this preseason, Carter has shown just flashes of the greater impact he can potentially make.