The debut of Dallas Cowboys rookie linebacker Bruce Carter is now much more important than it would have been had Carter started the 2011 season healthy. The Cowboys’ second-round draft pick was selected to start next season alongside Sean Lee. Dallas is very confident in Lee, but still has nothing from which to evaluate Carter’s NFL abilities. Lee and Carter were drafted in consecutive years to replace Cowboys longtime starting linebackers Bradie James and Keith Brooking. Carter only has half a season to prove he’s ready for such a promotion.
Both James and Brooking are in the last year of their contracts. It’s all but set in stone Brooking won’t be re-signed as Lee has turned into an absolute stud this season. However, the Cowboys don’t yet know if Carter is ready to take over for James.
Now Dallas head coach Jason Garrett and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan must balance playing Carter enough to evaluate him while still trying to compete for a playoff spot. Carter’s NFL debut will make the remainder of the Cowboys’ season very interesting.
Carter is finally ready to play after recovering from knee surgery and he’s anxious to get on the field.
October 25, 2011 5:38 pm via EchofonReplyRetweetFavorite
The Cowboys’ run defense has been stellar in 2011. Due in large part to Lee’s strong play, Dallas boasts the NFL’s top rushing defense. Carter was a stud at the University of North Carolina, but NFL running backs are a different breed. Plus, his first NFL game will be against the Philadelphia Eagles, who have one of the league’s best running backs in LeSean McCoy. All eyes will be on Carter in Philly Sunday night during the primetime matchup.
Contact Jeric Griffin on Twitter @JericGriffin
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It’s about time the Cowboys start pushing people for their postions .. this has been an issue for several years. Players get comfortable and they don’t work as hard especially after they sign the big pay day! Great to see new blood coming out .. been a Cowboy from their first year of existence .. it’s time we opened up that Tom Landry manual and get back to it!