Jalen Carter Faces Questions as Eagles Slide to 2-5

Carter ended a three-week media boycott on Wednesday, days after the Eagles’ 38-21 home loss to the Cowboys. Dallas ran for 204 yards, and Carter recorded no pressure, sack or tackle for loss as the team fell to 2-5. He described his play as “trash,” but added that meeting fans’ expectations did not matter to him.

Carter, who signed a four-year, $152 million extension in July, has three sacks and three forced fumbles this season. Two of each came in a Week 5 loss to Jacksonville. He said the Eagles had good players but had not translated that talent into results, and described the season as a restart with a new group and chemistry.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said Carter needs to become consistent and have the right mindset. Fangio has previously pointed to Carter’s uneven preparation, while dismissing claims that the Dallas game showed a lack of effort. Carter said the losing atmosphere and online criticism did not affect him, though he acknowledged the experience felt different.

Former Eagles center Jason Kelce criticized Carter for pointing to the rest of the defense while discussing his own performance. Kelce said a player in Carter’s position must win individual matchups and take responsibility. Former quarterback Nick Foles has also raised concerns about the team’s culture. Carter said he was not a public spokesperson and believed reporters were focused on him because the team was losing.