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New York Jets Have A Promising Pair of Young Playmakers

By Jacob Schyvinck

New York Jets running back Michael Carter (32) carries the ball on a touchdown run in the first quarter during a Week 8 NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.Cincinnati Bengals At New York Jets Oct 31
New York Jets running back Michael Carter (32) carries the ball on a touchdown run in the first quarter during a Week 8 NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.Cincinnati Bengals At New York Jets Oct 31 /
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Despite a rough start, the New York Jets have a promising pair of young playmakers on their roster.

The New York Jets struggled to stop the Indianapolis Colts Thursday night, falling 45-30 and bringing their record to 2-6. It was always going to be a year where this team needed to put things together on offense and defense with the incoming rookies and free agents, and then build toward the playoffs from there. Unfortunately, with Zach Wilson going down almost two weeks ago, building that chemistry has taken a halt. However, it was nice to see Mike White play well and give the Jets their second big win of the season over the Bengals.

White went down with injury on Thursday night, bringing in longtime vet Josh Johnson. But, the offense still looked pretty good, albeit against a struggling Colts defense. Still, there are positives to take as the Jets reach the halfway point. They have two young playmakers who are playing well this season, and one had his breakout game last night.

Michael Carter has shined when given an opportunity in the Jets offense. The fourth round pick had big fans in draft circles, believing he was the perfect satellite back to help out an offense. His skills in space, from spatial manipulation to out-leverage defenders, to his lateral quickness and burst, made for an impactful perimeter runner. Combine that with his pass catching skills, and carving out a role if given the opportunity made total sense in year one.

While his rushing prowess has been a bit up and down so far as he acclimates to the offense, he’s been a major factor in the passing game the last couple weeks, and often making the first defender miss in space. His snap count has been over 50% since week four, and that likely won’t change down the stretch, and his game should only get better as he continues to receiver double digit carries every game.

Elijah Moore hadn’t gotten the targets that were expected of him early in the season, especially since he was indeed separating, but he’s found it in the last couple of weeks, catching six passes against the Bengals and seven more against the Colts, scoring twice.

The second round pick out of Ole Miss was heralded in the draft process because of his incredible play speed. That play speed existed when getting into his stem, through the catch point, and after the catch. He could score from anywhere on the field, and had the reliable hands and separation quickness to boot. Size kept him out of the first round, but the Jets were smart to draft him at the top of the second round. He might not be a traditional WR1, but he looks like he can become the top option for this Jets offense, or at the very least, a 1B to Corey Davis as 1A.

Yes, the New York Jets still have issues on the defensive side of the ball (which can be addressed in the coming draft) and an offensive line to reload, but having two playmakers in Michael Carter and Elijah Moore is a good start for a franchise building towards contention.

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