| In an effort to prove that there
isn't always truth in advertising, here is something to think about the next time the soda
commercial that uses the motto "Image is nothing" pops on the television set. Think
about Rams DE Kevin Carter. Think about the 12 sacks and 60 tackles he amassed last season
for career highs. Think about the fact that this 1995 first-round draft pick out of
Florida has done nothing but live up to expectations. And think that if he continues to
improve, which he says he will this season and beyond, he could find his name near the top
of the sack leaders list for many years to come.
Now think about how he has no Pro Bowl appearances to his credit. Think about how he
might be the best player to be easily overlooked when it comes time to naming the top
defensive ends in the league.
For some reason, his name as one of the best ends in the league just doesn't roll off
the tongue as smoothly as Reggie White or Chris Doleman or Bruce Smith -- all players who
have had the image-enhancing benefits of playing on winning teams. For those players,
image has been everything.
But Carter's image is virtually invisible nationally.
"When you're on a 4-12 team like we were last year, you're not going to have many
All-Pros," said Rams DE Grant Wistrom. "If he had been on a team with a few more
wins, he might have been an All-Pro. He's one of the best defensive ends in the game, and
he's only going to get better."
For the 26-year-old Carter to get the recognition he deserves is dependent on a couple
of things.
One is his performance on the field. He needs to continue to develop into one of the
league's better defensive ends as he heads into his fifth season in St. Louis. He has
never missed a game or a start in four seasons — that is 64 consecutive starts.
Building on his career-high numbers from last season, Carter hopes to produce new
career-high numbers in 1999. At 6-5, 280 pounds, Carter has displayed an amazing
combination of mobility and strength for a player his size.
The second thing Carter needs is to play on a winning team. Since beginning his career
as one of the original St. Louis Rams after the team relocated from Los Angeles, Carter
has played for a team that has a cumulative record of 22-42 over four seasons. The Rams
have finished last or tied for last twice during Carter's tenure.
"Our goal is to win, and if Kevin Carter goes out and gets 15 sacks, our team's
going to be better," Carter said.
But no matter what Carter does individually, it will take more than his sack potential
to put the Rams in the playoffs and Carter in the Pro Bowl.
"There are good ballplayers on every ballclub," Rams MLB Lorenzo Styles said.
"But until you start winning and people start to notice ... and (when) we start
winning, he's going to be noticed as the best."
During the offseason the Rams upgraded significantly on the offensive side of the ball
with the additions of QB Trent Green and RB Marshall Faulk. Head coach Dick Vermeil used
the team's No. 1 selection on WR Torry Holt, who figures to play a major role in the
offense as a rookie.
But on the defensive side, Carter will continue to be the main man.
Said Styles, "Kevin is a very strong player, and his expectations should go up
every year. He's that dominating type of player. Last year he played well, but we're
looking for bigger and better things out of him.
"He's going to attract more double-teams this year. When he's not doubled, he's
going to cause havoc. Kevin is going to be a hell of a ballplayer."
Now that's an image that says something. |
