Mekhi Becton jokes with John Franklin-Myers about his big play
Kicking off a career-best day that was loaded with highlights, John Franklin-Myers ended the New York Jets‘ first defensive drive against the Houston Texans in style.
The Texans were on the Jets’ 17-yard line looking to jump to an early 7-0 lead. Houston called a play-action screen pass, trying to gain some easy yards on second-and-9. Franklin-Myers, however, made sure that didn’t happen.
Off the snap, “JFM” blew through Houston right tackle Charlie Heck with a bull-rush before putting pressure on quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Taylor threw the ball early, leading Franklin-Myers to tip the pass into the air, intercept it, and run the other way for a 46-yard return.
First career INT for John Franklin-Myers❗️ #SouthlandStrong #FCS pic.twitter.com/kUmeJ8dkiW
— Southland Conference (@SouthlandSports) November 28, 2021
Following his big game, Franklin-Myers pleaded for his Madden ratings to get a boost.
Can I get my catch rating up on madden?😂 @EAMaddenNFL https://t.co/3JdBA4gYgC
— John Franklin-Myers (@J_FranklinMyers) November 28, 2021
Mekhi Becton saw an opportunity to get one over on his teammate.
On an Instagram post by the official Jets account, Becton commented, “Higher your catch and lower ya speed?” in reference to Franklin-Myers getting caught from behind after his interception. Clearly, Becton thinks Franklin-Myers should’ve finished the play with a score, and he made sure to let the defender know it.
Becton famously ran a 5.10 in the forty-yard dash at the 2020 Combine, so he knows a thing or two about moving swiftly with a heavy frame. Franklin-Myers is no slouch himself – he ran a 4.75 at 283 pounds in 2018.
The play marked the first interception of Franklin-Myers’ career. It was the fourth time he has handled the ball in the NFL, as he has three career fumble recoveries.
Despite being away from the team since halfway through opening day, Becton is still finding ways to bond with his teammates, even if it comes at their own expense.
Becton’s return to practice should be on the horizon. As of Nov. 15, he was considered “one to three weeks” away from practicing, according to head coach Robert Saleh.
