Teammates Say Slot Cornerback Key to Jets' Defense

Saleh, Sauce and Rodgers all impressed by third-year defensive back

As easy as it is to overlook the slot cornerback on a New York Jets' defense that features Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed, it's risky business for an opposing offense.

Michael Carter II, not to be confused with Gang Green running back Michael Carter, appeared in all 17 games last year for the NFL's fourth-ranked defensive unit. The 2021 fifth-round draft pick accounted for 63 stops, nine passes defensed and two picks. 

"Michael is probably underappreciated because he doesn’t have the splash name," said head coach Robert Saleh following the team's third training camp practice.

Carter may not yet be a household name, but four-time NFL MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers knew who he was.

"I remember last year when we played the Jets, felt like we wanted to get after MC, and then after the game, I think everybody was like, ‘He’s a pretty damn good player,’ but also a good person," said Rodgers during springtime OTAs.

In that Jets' win over the Green Bay Packers last October, the 5-foot-10 slot corner made five solo tackles while playing 86 percent of the defensive snaps. Saleh's defense limited Rodgers to 6.0 yards per pass and only one touchdown in 41 attempts during the 27-10 triumph at Lambeau Field.

"He doesn’t make the splash plays, but if you go back and watch, you’re like, 'damn, that guy's pretty freaking good,' and he’s only going to get better," said Saleh. "If you remember he’s going into Year 3, and he’s learning the nuances. He’s getting better and he’s physical, he’s smart, he communicates really well, and he’s fearless, so we’re really excited about having him."

Opposing receivers averaged only 6.1 yards per target against Carter in 2022. The former Duke Blue Devil allowed only one touchdown as a second-year pro. 

Pro Football Focus graded Carter as the No. 18 ranked performer amongst 118 total cornerbacks.

"Michael Carter, I feel like he don't get much credit. Mike, he's so intelligent," said Gardner. "Me and D.J. [Reed], we do our thing. We're what people see from the outside looking in, but Michael Carter, what he do is not easy and he makes it look easy."

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LET'S GO @mcarter2nd!!!#TBvsNYJ on FOX pic.twitter.com/dSPYrHVLxO

— New York Jets (@nyjets) January 2, 2022