Michael Carter’s approach for Sundays are always the same.
“I go into every game thinking I’m going to make an impact,” the Jets’ rookie running back said. “I just let the game come to me and I try not to do too much. Just my job.”
He certainly left his imprint on the Jets’ 34-31 victory over the Bengals at MetLife Stadium.
Carter enjoyed his best game by far as a pro Sunday, rushing for 77 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown, and catching nine passes for 95 yards. Both were career highs.
“That goes to his study habits, his practice habits after practice and everything,” fellow running back Ty Johnson said. “It’s all been showing up essentially. He’s a rookie, but he’s proving that he’s built for this. He’s a vet in a rookie’s body.”
A good portion of Carter’s breakthrough performance came after initial contact, as the fourth-round pick either broke tackles or dragged defenders for extra yardage. He bounced off the Bengals like a bowling bowl.
When asked why he is so proficient at making guys miss or gaining yards after contact, Carter smiled.
“I don’t know. If I did, I would not tell ya’ll,” he joked.
Together, Johnson and Carter were a force, catching a combined 14 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown. The Bengals played soft coverage for large stretches of the game against first-time starting quarterback Mike White. The Jets’ running backs made the most of their opportunities, using their speed and strength to turn short completions into significant gains.
“A lot of credit to [offensive coordinator Mike] LaFleur. The guy loves the game, he loves the game,” Carter said. “I think he did a really good job of putting us into position to win, and it just came down to us executing. For the most part, we did that.”