The Los Angeles Rams went toe-to-toe with the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2025 NFC Divisional round before losing on downs in the final 2 minutes of the game, 22-28.
One Philly player who was a bother for the Rams in the game was defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who recorded 2 sacks, 5 tackles, 2 pass deflections, 3 hits on quarterback Matthew Stafford and forced a fumble.
Jalen Carter is a special player and he’s done so many of the right things to continue to make himself a special player,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said, via The Eagles website. “And we earned a right to play for a championship, the NFC Championship this week against a really good football team.”
Jalen Carter, I can’t say enough good things about his development as a player. That just doesn’t happen because of talent. He’s talented as — you guys see it.”
The former Georgia Bulldog had his best year last season, becoming a second-team All-Pro, which got him his first Pro Bowl nod and finishing 12th in the Defensive Player of the Year award.
The defensive tackle is off to a slow start this season, only recording 2 tackles so far, but could get back on track against Los Angeles. Despite the slow start, Carter is still a threat to any offensive line and could get to the backfield.
Rams head coach Sean McVay praised Carter ahead of the rematch of the 2025 NFC Divisional round in Week 3.
Rams Head Coach On Jalen Carter
GettyPhiladelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
The Los Angeles Rams will have their toughest challenge of the season early on to determine if the Rams are legit by beating last season’s Super Bowl winner.
Sean McVay was asked by a member of the media how Jalen Carter’s presence on the defensive line affects McVay’s play calling.
“You have to be aware of him,” McVay said. But they’ve (Eagles) have impact players all over this defense, that’s what makes them great. It’s as good a coach you go against in terms of understanding how to put them in the right spots. Playing to their strengths. The feel for the flow of the game.”
“Jalen’s excellent. You know I got a lot of respect for him, going against him twice last year. You look at the resume and the body of work that he has. Their front, their second level, their back end. They are the real deal.”
If the Rams were to beat the Eagles, they could cement themselves as Super Bowl frontrunners.
Carter Against The Rams O-Line
GettyPhiladelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter #98
The Los Angeles Rams front line will have its hands full with Jalen Carter.
The O-line could be without guard Steve Avila, who is currently dealing with an ankle injury and is listed as doubtful for the game.
Running back Kyren Williams will also have to be wary of Carter. Williams ran for 106 yards in the NFC Divisional round, averaging 5.6 yards per run.
Carter had a good showing the last time he faced the Rams and could get back on track this season after Week 3.
Rams’ HC Praises Eagles D-Lineman Before NFC Divisional Rematch