Weird things always seem to happen on Halloween for the New York Jets. Today was no exception as the Jets – an 11-point underdog entering the game – shocked the Cincinnati Bengals, 34-31. Jets quarterback Mike White finished 37-of-45 for 405 yards and three touchdowns against the Bengals in his first NFL start. His Bengals counterpart, Joe Burrow, completed 21 of his 34 passing attempts for 259 yards and three touchdowns. The Jets overcame three turnovers – including two interceptions thrown by White – and the defense forced the most important turnover late in the game.
Finally, A Fast Start
The Jets finally managed to get the game off to a fast start on the first drive of the game. In fact, they scored their first points in the first quarter all season long when they went on a 10-play drive. The drive was capped by Michael Carter’s 8-yard touchdown run. Most importantly was how Mike White performed on that drive against the Bengals: the Jets quarterback went 6-for-6 for 68 yards. For the rest of the half, though, the Jets were their regular selves: consecutive interceptions off deflections, a missed FG, a punt, and a fumble resulted in no points. But the defense did their best to keep the Jets in the game, forcing two punts and a turnover on downs out of the Bengals. The Jets capped the first half with a White-to-Braxton Berrios touchdown.
The Jets Let the Offense Cook
Connor Hughes – Jets beat writer at The Athletic – is the creator of the #LetMikeCook hashtag. And cook he did on Sunday. White has spent the better part of the last three seasons either on the practice squad or holding a clipboard. But when he finally made his first start for the Jets, Mike White tore the Bengals apart. White became only the second quarterback ever to pass for more than 400 yards in his first start (Cam Newton, 422 yards, 2011). He also threw passes to 10 (10!!!) different Jets receivers. White also became one of five Jets quarterbacks to pass for more than 400 yards in a game. The others? Joe Namath (twice), Ken O’Brien (twice), Glenn Foley, and Vinny Testaverde. This performance had head coach Robert Saleh thinking twice about who his starter will be this Thursday against Indianapolis.
Don’t Forget About the Other Mike
Lost in Mike White’s tremendous performance against the Bengals is the performance by Jets’ running back Michael Carter. Carter was a huge part of White’s breakout day. Against the Bengals’ rushing defense – ranked ninth in the league prior to the game – the rookie running back ran for 77 yards on 15 carries and scored a touchdown. In addition to that, Carter also added nine receptions for 95 yards, including two receptions that went for over 20 yards. He also added an 18-yard run as well. Carter has proven to be a big part of the Jets’ offense over this season. If he has additional performances like he did yesterday, he could be a dark horse ROY candidate.
The Defense Comes Through
Entering Sunday’s game, the Jets were also the last team in the NFL to record an interception. I already mentioned the Jets’ first points in the first quarter (led by Mike White) against the Bengals. After the Jets got within five, the defense did themselves a favor and got off the field quick. It only took them one play: Burrow went back to pass on first down and Jets linebacker Shaq Lawson deflected Burrow’s pass into the air. Lawson caught the ball and was tackled at the Bengals’ 14. Two plays later, the Jets took the lead on White’s touchdown pass to Tyler Croft. The Bengals would get the ball back with 3:45 remaining. On third and 11 from their own 40, Burrow was sacked by defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins, forcing the Bengals to punt with 2:08 remaining. The Jets milked the clock, and it was game over.
A Promise Fulfilled
As the Jets defeated the Bengals (thanks to Mike White and his splendid performance), I fulfilled a promise made on NCR Friday Happy Hour. I promised I would drink a hard seltzer if the Jets scored more than 30 points and won in any game this season. Below is the video proof to show it. (A new episode of No Credentials Required drops this week, by the way. Stay tuned.)
Next Game
The Jets have a quick turnaround and will face Indianapolis on Thursday Night Football. Game preview later this week.
