Is Michael Carter II as great as fans and stats suggest?
You cannot have a conversation about him without New York Jets fans pulling out the “underrated” label: Michael Carter II.
While underrated in the national spotlight, the Jets’ slot cornerback is anything but underrated among Jets fans. The Duke product is beloved among the Gang Green faithful. A former fifth-round pick, Carter II has developed into one of the best slot cornerbacks in football.
Even if he has not received national recognition for his work, most metrics show that Carter II is not just “one of” the best slot defenders in the game — he might be the best.
Week after week, four quarters will breeze by with Carter II’s name hardly being mentioned on the broadcast. That’s because he’s consistently locking his man down in coverage. In 2023, Carter II allowed the fewest receptions and yards of any slot cornerback while also committing the fewest penalties.
So, what gives? If Carter II is as elite as these stats say, why isn’t he being named to Pro Bowls or All-Pro teams? Is he truly that underrated, or are these stats overrating him a bit?
We’re here to answer those questions today.
In the latest Blewett’s Blitz film review, we break down 28 plays from Carter II’s 2023 season to showcase exactly how much of an impact he makes for the Jets’ defense.
