A costly neutral zone infraction by rookie linebacker Abdul Carter wiped out a potential game-changing pick-6 in the New York Giants‘ heartbreaking 16-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
The penalty occurred late in the first half when Carter’s hand encroached into the neutral zone at the snap, though he did not jump offsides. The flag nullified a 96-yard interception return for a touchdown by safety Jevon Holland, which would have given the Giants a 10-3 lead. Instead, the drive continued, shifting momentum in a tight contest that ultimately slipped away.
Carter took full accountability postgame.
“I don’t think I jumped. They said my hand was in the neutral zone or something,” he said, via the New York Post. “That one hurt.”
Carter explained he didn’t realize the call was on him until announced over the loudspeaker.
“That hurt the team right there, especially for Holland, who took it all the way back to the house. That’s on me. I have to be better,” he said.
Despite the error, Carter delivered an otherwise standout performance. He recorded a sack — becoming the first Giants rookie to notch one in three consecutive games — and directly pressured the quarterback into Chauncey Golston’s sack on the ensuing play.
The rookie’s flash of brilliance underscored his potential, even as the penalty proved a pivotal 10-point swing in the narrow defeat.