It has been an up-and-down season for New York Giants rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter, but it could still end up being historic.
Carter has no doubt had his fair share of issues. Not only did Carter have a big sacks drought during his rookie campaign, but he has also been benched multiple times for infractions.
However, the Penn State product has been on a tear of late. Since Week 13, Carter has posted 3.5 sacks, 10 QB hits and six tackles for loss, clearly saving his best for last.
In the process, Carter has put himself in striking distance to break an NFL record.
According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, Carter enters Week 18 with 52 total pressures in 2025, putting him just nine shy of breaking the NFL record for most pressures by a rookie since ESPN started tracking the stat in 2017.
That record is currently held by San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa, who had 60 pressures during his rookie season in 2019. Carter's 52 ranks second all-time, just ahead of Micah Parsons (51 in 2021) and Jared Verse (50 in 2024).
While nine pressures isn't easy to get, it's worth noting that Carter has posted that many in each of his last two games, so it's certainly possible.
In Week 18, Carter will square off against a Dallas Cowboys offensive line that ranks 15th in pass-block win rate, and it's conceivable he'll be playing against some backups if the Cowboys decide to sit some or all of their starters with nothing to play for.
It's also possible the Giants could decide to sit their key players for the final contest, but interim head coach Mike Kafka has yet to make that decision.
Regardless of whether or not he breaks the record, Carter's strong finish to the season has his arrow pointing up going into the offseason.
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