Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter said at one point during his team's 31-17 "Sunday Night Football" win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 7, he took inspiration from LeBron James.
Jalen Carter, with a smile, on his after-whistle scuffle with Austin Jackson, which resulted in offsetting penalties and a flop from Carter:
— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) October 23, 2023
"I was just thinking about LeBron! I was like 'oh, what would LeBron do!"
#Eagles DT Jalen Carter to reporters on this flop last night: 'I was just thinking to myself, "What would LeBron do?"'"
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 23, 2023
pic.twitter.com/zYHIj3s7d8
The rookie's heads-up thinking came with 2:28 left in the second quarter and the Eagles leading 17-3 but the Dolphins driving on their final possession of the first half. Instead of a repeat second down or automatic first down for Miami, Carter's best acting skills were able to offset the penalties and bring up third-and-13 due to teammate Josh Sweat's seven-yard sack and because the extracurriculars came after the play was over.
Less than one minute later, Carter's flopping became a moot point, as Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hooked up with wide receiver Cedrick Wilson on a 29-yard pass on third-and-18. Tagovailoa closed out the second quarter with a touchdown pass to wideout Tyreek Hill and the ensuing extra point made it 17-10.
Despite being one of, if not the greatest players in NBA history, James has also gained quite a reputation for being one of the most notorious floppers in the game as well. "King James" has even received warnings from the NBA for his antics in the past.
Carter has had a huge start to his first NFL season, as he is tied for the team lead with two forced fumbles, is third in sacks (3.5) and is tied for third in tackles for loss (five) and quarterback hits (five). The 2023 ninth overall pick finished Sunday's win with just one tackle, which was both a quarterback hit and tackle for loss.
Carter will get his next chance to do his best "LBJ" imitation when Philadelphia travels to take on the Washington Commanders in Week 8 at 1 p.m. ET on Oct. 29.
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