Second-year outside linebacker Abdul Carter has set his sights on Defensive Player of the Year honors, a goal he believes is within reach following a period of personal growth and the addition of General John Harbaugh to the coaching staff. Carter stated his ambition directly when asked about his objectives for the upcoming season.
The arrival of Harbaugh, coupled with Carter's own development over the past year, has created what the player described as a "perfect storm" that he anticipates will allow him to "rain terror on quarterbacks."
Historical context for such an achievement includes players like Lawrence Taylor, who won Defensive Player of the Year multiple times, including as a rookie in 1981, and Michael Strahan, who earned the award in 2001 after setting a single-season sack record. Carter now aims to join this elite company.