Sabin: Cowboys ILB Carter making progress

bkeavs

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Cowboys ILB Bruce Carter making progress, says 'just being on the field is a huge stride for me'

By Rainer Sabin / Reporter

rsabin@dallasnews.com | Bio

3:14 PM on Wed., Jun. 6, 2012 |

IRVING -- Bruce Carter wanted to play more than he did last season. But the Cowboys' second-year inside linebacker understood why he didn't.

"I guess they felt like I wasn't ready," he said. "I kind of agree from learning what I know now, from last year. It's kind of like night and day. There's a whole lot you've got to learn..... I kind of agree with what they were doing with me last year."

After recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee that he suffered during his senior season at North Carolina, Carter didn't make his professional debut until Week 8 in a game against Philadelphia. By then, the Cowboys had decided that Carter wouldn't play a significant role as a rookie and consequently he played only 41 snaps.

"He wasn't doing a whole lot for us on defense," coordinator Rob Ryan said. "Have a limited package, a couple of calls in -- that's why his production was down. He wasn't ready."

But the Cowboys hoped that Carter would make considerable progress during an offseason when Dallas made no effort to re-sign veteran inside linebackers Bradie James and Keith Brooking.

"From Year 1 to Year 2 is very significant in a player's development, particularly with a guy like that who was watching a lot in Year 1," Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. "You just want to see him playing and we're giving him every opportunity to do that."

Carter has directly benefited from the rehabilitation newly-signed linebacker Dan Connor has undergone since he had shoulder surgery earlier this year. During the Cowboys' organized team activities, Carter has been working alongside Sean Lee and the starters, getting the repetitions he was denied last year. And as it stands now, Garrett said, "he's starting at Mike linebacker for us and playing special teams."

"Last year, I was learning the defense but wasn't able to play," Carter said. "So just being on the field is a huge stride for me."

It's certainly a step in the right direction.
 
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I hope that holds up. Dan Connor is a good player, but I'd love to have the speed an athleticism on defense that Carter could bring.
 

GloryDaysRBack

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Told you fools Carter would start.

According to everyone - carter is dominating the underwear Olympics (OTAs)
 

bkeavs

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If carter can play up to his potential. our line backing crew which was downright awful a few seasons ago with James and brooking can be a top group in the league
 

cmd34

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If carter can play up to his potential. our line backing crew which was downright awful a few seasons ago with James and brooking can be a top group in the league

3 out of 4 ain't bad...
 

SixisBetter

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If carter can play up to his potential. our line backing crew which was downright awful a few seasons ago with James and brooking can be a top group in the league

I agree.
If.
 

Sheik

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This is some really great news.

Cant wait to see this guy play.
 
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