Over his first six NFL games, Jets rookie running back Michael Carter had 58 carries for 202 yards and 17 receptions (on 23 targets) for 101 yards, finding the end zone twice along the way.
Those lines were often a function of the Jets’ game script being pass-heavy due to being behind, so the fourth-rounder didn’t really get much of a chance to shine. Finally, though, that chance came Sunday against Cincinnati, and he made the most of it: 15 rushes for 77 yards and a score, and nine catches on 14 targets for 95 yards.
“I’m thankful for this but I didn’t do it alone,” Carter said after the game. “I feel like I did some good things, and I feel myself growing as a player, so I’m just going to continue to get better each day.”
The Jets’ game plan behind Mike White was to exploit Cincinnati’s zone-based defensive scheme, and after trying to take some shots early, Gang Green scored right away and was able to get that Bengals underbelly exposed.
Ty Johnson also had a big game as a result, but afterwards, even he could only crow about Carter.
“I think that goes to his practice habits and his study habits. It’s all been showing up,” said Johnson, who had nine total touches for 86 yards. “He’s a rookie but he’s working like he’s a veteran. He took every single rep he got and was on his execution. He’s proven he’s built for this.”
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“Some things to always grow off of, but he’s been hard to tackle all season, and we got the ball in his hands and let him go make plays,” head coach Robert Saleh added of Carter. That’s his dynamic playmaking ability: give it to him in space and see what happens.”
And to the notion that it can’t be done alone, Carter said the communication among the offensive linemen “was the best it’s been,” and he gave credit to his quarterback and offensive coordinator.
“You can’t force anything is this league, so you always have to think the ball is coming to you, and when it does, go out and make a play,” Carter said. “A lot of credit to coach LaFleur. He did a great job today putting us in a position to win, and we went out and executed. The game of football is take what they give you. That’s what we did and it worked out in our favor, and I’m so proud of Mike (White).”
All of it earned Carter an individual game ball from inactive receiver Corey Davis, who simply told him “great job, bro.”
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With a short week ahead of a Thursday night game with the Colts, Carter and the Jets won’t have much time to celebrate or rest on their laurels as they prep for an Indy defense that is in the middle of the pack with 108.8 rushing yards allowed per game, but just held all-world back Derrick Henry to 65 on Sunday.
“I’m thankful for the opportunities I’m presented with,” Carter said, “but this performance can’t save me on Thursday, so I have to get back to the drawing board.”
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