Jalen Carter’s ejection didn’t decide Cowboys vs. Eagles, however it very nicely might have. The season began on a particularly bizarre notice earlier than the very first snap befell, with Philadelphia’s star defensive sort out approaching Dallas QB Dak Prescott and spitting on him proper after the starters took the sphere.
Carter apologized for the incident after the sport, however that didn’t assist the Eagles on the sphere as they have been compelled to narrowly fend off their NFC East rivals within the opener — narrowly successful 24-20. The large challenge was the usually stout Eagles protection, which allowed over 300 yards, and watching as operating again Javonte Williams scampered into the top zone for 2 touchdowns.
Missing Carter’s presence within the center was a giant issue not simply towards the run, however with an absence of inside strain the pocket was comparatively clear for Prescott, who linked with CeeDee Lamb seven instances for 110 yards. All this due to one boneheaded second that by no means wanted to occur.
What if there was extra to this second that meets the attention? What if Carter was truly provoked? What if there was a second spitter? It doesn’t excuse him hocking a loogie onto Prescott’s chest, however it actually does add slightly extra context as to why the Eagles’ DT ha such an excessive response. Because it seems Prescott was the primary spitter, and this complete factor may need been a case of mistaken intent.
Moments earlier than the incident befell we now have video from one other angle exhibiting that Prescott spat in Carter’s normal route whereas they have been jawing at one another.
Dak even hits him with the smile and vertical head nod for good measure. There’s completely no doubting that Prescott was attempting to bait Carter with it. I doubt he anticipated his opponent to stroll up and spit on him, however no less than throw him off his sport for the primary collection and maybe strain him right into a dumb penalty. In the long run he bought way more than he hoped for, as Carter was hit was a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and ejected from the sport. It was a dream situation for the Cowboys realizing they not needed to cope with Carter’s excessive inside strain.
Prescott is doing a masterful job within the aftermath to cowl his saliva — chalking it as much as a giant ol’ misunderstanding.
If we learn between the traces and play this proper down the center we get a reasonably clear image of how issues probably went down:
There’s little doubt this was an enormous issue within the sport itself. Prescott stated that the Cowboys’ planning was closely invested in blocking schemes that may account for Carter and take strain off Booker in consequence. Seeing him kicked from the sport was the proper resolution to their largest downside on offense.
It stays to be seen if the NFL will do something. By the letter of the legislation Prescott ought to probably be fined for his spit as nicely, and Carter assessed a a lot bigger effective for truly spitting on an opponent. Sportsmanlike Conduct is some extent of emphasis for the league this season, so instantly they could wish to make an instance out of Carter.
Simply wait till these groups meet once more in Week 12. There shall be extra fireworks.
