4 most notable unsung heroes for the NY Jets in 2022

3. Michael Carter II, CB, NY Jets

Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed have received the majority of attention in the Jets' secondary, and for good reason. Gardner and Reed have formed arguably the best cornerback duo in football with each receiving their fair share of praise.

But one often overlooked member of the Jets' secondary who's put together a rock-solid year is nickel cornerback Michael Carter II.

Carter entered the league as a fifth-round pick in 2021 and was immediately thrust into a starting role, one he's retained this season. And following an up-and-down rookie year, Carter got off to a hot start in 2022.

His play has dipped a little in recent weeks, but Carter still remains one of the better slot cornerbacks in the NFL. Among qualified nickel corners, Carter's 82.1 passer rating when targeted ranks third behind only K'Wuan Williams and Kader Kohou.

He's allowed just one touchdown despite being targeted a whopping 70 times (third most among qualifiers), likely due to the fact that he's playing alongside Gardner and Reed.

Carter has had his struggles in recent weeks, most notably with his inability to limit big plays. Carter's 381 yards after the catch allowed ranks second-worst among qualified slot cornerbacks and he's missed eight tackles this season.

Still, in a secondary that has been so dominant this season, Carter deserves some praise for holding his own despite opposing offenses often picking on him. He's had a good year.