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In a league where star performances often get defined by flashy statistics and highlight reels, it's easy to overlook the extraordinary contributions of players whose efforts don't always fill the box score. Such is the case with Jalen Carter, our unsung hero of Week 13, who played a pivotal role in the Philadelphia Eagles' victory over the Baltimore Ravens. While Carter's recorded stats—four tackles, three solo, one sack, and three tackles for loss—are impressive, they hardly scratch the surface of the impact he had on the field.

Greatness beyond the boxscore

Throughout the game, Jalen Carter lived in the Ravens' backfield, influencing plays far beyond his stat line. Perhaps the most significant aspect of his performance was his ability to draw double-teams, freeing up his fellow defenders to make plays. The life of a dominant D Tackle is often shrouded in anonymity.  While Edge defenders fill up the stat sheets and often the highlight reels, a good tackle quietly does the dirty work to ensure the rest of the front seven can do their jobs.  When a tackle isn't doing his job, everyone suffers.  Linebackers are gobbled up by guards coming off combo blocks.  Edge defenders are doubled into oblivion.  Corners are left on an island to cover far too long. I strongly recommend anyone who has the opportunity to subscribe to NFL Premium do so.  The opportunity to watch Jalen carter absolutely embarrass offensive lineman repeatedly from the "endzone" view, is something that everyone should experience. While Jalen Carter's role as a defensive tackle often goes unappreciated by mainstream media, his dominance in the trenches reaffirms why he's an essential asset to the Philadelphia Eagles' success. Beyond mere numbers, his persistent pressure siphons through opponents' offensive strategies game after game. His performance against the Ravens underscores this point and earns him the rightful title of our "Unsung Hero." 

For Philadelphia's defensive dominance this year, we have herd over and over about the rookie corners, and rightfully so as they are balling out of control.  But it must be acknowledged that none of this is possible without the dirty work of our dominant defensive tackle.