Abdul Carter still waiting for his Micah Parsons-like Giants breakout to begin

The comparisons between Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter might have been a little premature.

Yes, they both terrorized quarterbacks and displayed versatility while wearing the esteemed No. 11 jersey at Penn State.

But Carter’s rookie impact with the Giants (a half-sack and eight quarterback hits) through 10 games doesn’t measure up to the splash that Parsons made as 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year with Cowboys (13 sacks) and has continued making in his first season since being traded to the Packers.

Sunday marks the first time that the two will share a field as NFL players.

“We’re going to compete. That’s one thing I know about Micah,” Carter said. “He took me under his wing. The No. 11 tradition, learning from him, that’s my brother.”

Carter looked like an unstoppable force because of his explosive first step during training camp.

But he hasn’t been able to finish around the opposing quarterback despite having 35 pressures, including a team-high 21 quick pressures (under 3 seconds).

“I don’t think he’s lacking confidence,” defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said. “I think he’s probably a little discouraged — as all these guys are — with where we’re at right now on a unit level and an individual level.”

Carter has lost 2.5 sacks to teammates’ penalties, including 1.5 last week against the Bears.

He has a showcase opportunity Sunday because Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder) will not play, so Carter will make his second career start and should play exclusively on the edge opposite Brian Burns (11 sacks) drawing double teams rather than mixing in snaps at defensive tackle and inside linebacker.

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“Just continue to find ways to utilize him best,” Bowen said, “and where we can put him where he can be most productive and find some production for us.”

Parsons has helped elevate the Packers defense more than his 6.5 sacks suggest.

He had at least 12 sacks in each of his four seasons with the Cowboys.

“He can play on the ball, off the ball,” said left tackle Andrew Thomas, who has battled Parsons twice per year in the NFL. “Their front, in general, is talented without Micah, so, you add that in, they’re one of the top in the league.”

Is Carter on the verge of his Parsons-like breakout?

Rookie of the Year still could be up for grabs for the No. 3 pick with a strong finish.

“If the guys are playing with energy and effort and physicality, that’s a sign of doing a good job,” outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen said. “Abdul has done it. Is the production where we think it would be? Or do we want more flashy numbers? Sure. But you can’t chase numbers. You have to do your job at a high level and live with what comes from that.”

Maybe Carter will be inspired by the presence of Parsons.

“Cup half full,” Carter said of his rookie-season performance. “I feel like there is a lot more out there I can do. I can be a lot more ferocious. I can’t make excuses for myself. I just have to keep working. The sacks will come.”