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Cardinals vs. Falcons: David Carter getting used to playing defensive end

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David Carter may start for injured defensive end Calais Campbell on Sunday. Carter's experience comes at nose tackle, but he's been practicing at defensive end and feels as though it's coming along.

Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

Arizona Cardinals starting defensive end Calais Campbell may miss Sunday's game with a calf injury, which would have the team turning to David Carter. Carter played his college ball as a nose tackle and was drafted as such, but Arizona defensive coordinator Ray Horton has a habit of moving players around in order to build depth on defense.
That didn't sit well with Carter at first, who says his heart is at nose tackle, but he also said:

"I'm feeling pretty good at end, now. I didn't like defensive end at first, I'm not going to lie. I hated it. Now, I like it."

The main appeal of defensive end might simply be the opportunity. After showing promise as a rookie, Carter has only seen 68 snaps in the first nine games of the 2012 season. He knows that if he can excel at defensive end, that could lead to more time on the field:

"I'm ready to put up some good marks, some sacks, some tackles. I'm getting on the field. I can put some film up there, show everyone what I can do."

Carter, formerly a UCLA Bruin, had 10 tackles, one sack and two passes defended in his rookie season. His senior campaign at UCLA included 41 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble. he was drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, 184th overall.

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