Injured New York Jets players could not help but go nuts over Mike White’s epic day
The New York Jets were 11.5-point underdogs heading into today’s game. All 10 NFL Network analysts picked the Cincinnati Bengals. All 10 ESPN analysts picked the road team.
It’s safe to say nobody had the Jets keeping this one competitive, let alone winning.
It’s also safe to say that the reaction to the game is one of shock and optimism. This includes injured Jets players watching the game away from the field.
With backup quarterback Mike White at the helm, these doubts were certainly warranted. The team was without top receiver Corey Davis, edge defender Bryce Huff, and lost left tackle George Fant around the midway point of the game with an ankle injury. The game was an uphill battle from the start.
They kept it close all day, and eventually won for the second time this season. Players showcased their excitement, including three of the previously mentioned injured Jets.
Perhaps the most notable of all the reactions came from defensive end Carl Lawson, who recreated his popular J-E-T-S Instagram Story that he originally posted after inking his new deal with the Jets back in March.
— carl lawson (@carllawson55) October 31, 2021
Stud left tackle Mekhi Becton, also sidelined with an injury, kept up with the game on Twitter, sending out four tweets and retweeting another during and after the win.
Most of them revolved around White’s shockingly stellar performance.
Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh 😭😭😭😭‼️ pic.twitter.com/fbwExx0k4m
— Trending Topic 🤷🏾♂️ (@BigTicket73) October 31, 2021
MIKE WHITE!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/qRnbRb2rcM
— Trending Topic 🤷🏾♂️ (@BigTicket73) October 31, 2021
Last but not least, Zach Wilson congratulated his fellow quarterback and the team on their upset win.
.@MikeWhiteQB doing it all. JETS WIN. https://t.co/ZbDJgblMT2
— Zachary Wilson (@ZachWilson) October 31, 2021
Despite all of the setbacks and unfortunate circumstances, the Jets pulled off an 11-point comeback with 7:24 to go in the fourth quarter.
White threw for 405 yards and three touchdowns to go along with a completion percentage above 80. Rookie running back Michael Carter amassed 172 yards from scrimmage on 24 touches as well as a rushing touchdown early in the game.
Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur also called his best game of the season, at one point calling the plays for an offense that scored on five-straight scoring drives.
With an all-around great team win led by their backup signal-caller, the Jets head to Indianapolis for a Thursday night showdown. Mike White will be the starter, and we’ll get a chance to see if today’s performance was beginners luck or something to look out for in the future.
Get Started: Learn More About Becoming A Jet X Member
A quarterback competition is probably still unlikely, despite head coach Robert Saleh’s statement that “anything is possible,” in regards to White being the long-term starter. Unless White goes out there and does it a few more times, this is Zach Wilson’s team.
Nonetheless, the Jets did everything in their power could to rejuvenate the fans, and they did just that.
