Mike White’s NFL takeover has ended due to an injured forearm, wrist or thumb
Jets Leaders
- PASSING: Mike White (7 of 11, 95 yards, 1 TD)
- RUSHING: Michael Carter (6 carries, 28 yards)
- RECEIVING: Elijah Moore (2 receptions, 45 yards, 1 TD)
Colts Leaders
- PASSING: Carson Wentz (15 of 18, 146 yards, 2 TD)
- RUSHING: Jonathan Taylor (11 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD)
- RECEIVING: Michael Pittman Jr. (4 receptions, 45 yards, 1 TD)
MIKE. WHITE. 🗣🗣🗣
pic.twitter.com/MyFk2urJPG— PFF (@PFF) November 5, 2021
Good Night, White
If one was scripting a satirical football farce and included an injury to the new starting quarterback sensation, it would likely be rejected by the major studios for its complete lack of subtlety.
Alas for New York, it’s all too real.
Mike White helped Elijah Moore make personal history through a 19-yard scoring strike that tied the game, but an injured right wrist kept him out for the remainder of the first half.
The Mike White injury #jets #takeflight pic.twitter.com/Am9F2BW9J0
— 🗽NYJETS🗽TWEETZ🗽 (@NYJETSTWEETZ) November 5, 2021
White continues to be evaluated on the sidelines and was seen wearing his helmet while Josh Johnson took over his duties under center. To his credit, Johnson has had some decent help from Michael Carter and the unrelated Ty Johnson, though the latter’s fumble set up Indianapolis’ third score of the day.
Nonetheless, expect Carter and Johnson to help take the pressure off the beleaguered passing situation, as the effective duo can soothe the pain of White’s injury or simply help Josh Johnson feel more comfortable and assured if he’s called upon for extensive Thursday work.
You can breathe now, Jonathan Taylor ATTS bettors
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/xQ0dNVo23W
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) November 5, 2021
Derby Day
Following a standout defensive performance against Cincinnati—one that held the Bengals to 41 yards on the ground—the Jets have been unable to contain the Colts’ run game in the early going.
Jonathan Taylor was particularly impressive, totaling 102 yards from scrimmage alone, while Nyheim Hines’ 34-yard run to glory opened the scoring. With their confidence in Carson Wentz potentially waning after last weekend’s late meltdown in a crucial tilt against Tennessee, Indianapolis is likely going to give their rushers more opportunities.
New York must be prepared if they plan on escaping Lucas Oil Stadium with an upset win.
Darius Leonard forces the fumble! #Colts take over! #ForTheShoe
— Matty B (@mattthew_jordan) November 5, 2021
Fumbling the Fumble
If anything, the Jets are making the Colts at least earn their early scores, laying down some big hits that have ultimately been forgotten in the wake of scoring runs. The unit, in fact, forced three fumbles on the Colts’ aforementioned third scoring drive after Ty Johnson’s gaffe but were unable to recover any of them.
Gang Green can make some progress if they capitalize on their opportunities, no matter how small they seem. They must be able to do so when they manage to neutralize the Colts’ mighty ground attack.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
