One of the most important games of 2025 NFL Kickoff on Thursday night pits a rookie against a wave star.
Dallas Cowboys wrote the guard Tyler Booker in the first round to replace the future Hall of Famer Zack Martin. First test of newcomers out of the gate: to prevent Jalen Carter.
“You know a book, a man,” said Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer through the team’s official website. “He is excited for the chance to play football. He has played against great players.… [and] Jalen is planning to win a few battles, the book will win a few battles and it is football, man. And if you can’t get excited to play a game, hey, man and in the block game, how cool is it?
“A book is ready for the challenge and it will be fun to watch.”
Carter was named in his first Pro Bowl in 2024 after a total of 4.5 sacks, 16 QB strokes and 6 past defense (next gene Stats: 45 QB pressure, 9th seat among DTS). According to NGS, Carter had 20 quick QB pressure in 2024 (3. Among DTS).
Carter’s size and motion skills make him a threat to the inner blocks.
“He is a great player and I am very excited to play against him,” Booker said. “I’m just approaching it as I’ve approached another other game since college. This is the most important game because this is the next game. I look forward to Thursday.”
Carter is the type of player who could completely fall into a whole offense if it is unscathed. Newcomers’ ability to win more heights than he loses will be crucial if the cowboys are to have the opportunity to bring the dominant Super Bowl masters on Thursday night.