Eagles coach calls out star player for being out of shape: ‘Both he and I have talked about that’

Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter is still not in his best form yet.  After getting ejected before the first snap in Week 1 for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Carter made his season debut in Philadelphia’s Week 2 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium

As one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, Carter is expected to take over games, but that didn’t happen against the Chiefs.

“He had some good rushes, but he needs to round into better shape,” Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said on Tuesday. “Both he and I have talked about that. He readily admits that. I think we’ll even get more (out of him). For everything that has gone on in his world, I thought he played pretty good.”

Carter amassed two tackles and three quarterback hits, while playing 80% of the snaps. He has the talent to be more productive.

Last year, Carter became an unstoppable force after getting into incredible shape. He amassed 42 tackles and 4.5 sacks, took on double-team blocks to free up other defensive lineman and made key plays in big moments. His efforts earned him a second-team All-Pro selection.

Fangio said Carter missing time in training camp with a shoulder issue and not playing in Week 1 have both contributed to his conditioning problem.  Once it improves, Carter could get back on track for another All-Pro season.