The New York Jets may have their Wally Pipp moment with Mike White replacing Zach Wilson.
The fifth-round selection in the 2018 NFL draft played magnificently in his starting debut.
What’s more impressive is the quality of the team he helped defeat.
The Cincinnati Bengals came into the game as double-digit favorites by sportsbooks because they were overwhelmingly better.
They rank seventh in points per game (27.5) and sixth in points allowed (20.3, tied with Pittsburgh).
Joe Mixon, Jessie Bates and Tyler Boyd explaining why they wanted to come to the podium together #Bengals pic.twitter.com/JQnEzkgXwX
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) October 31, 2021
The Bengals also came off a convincing 41-17 victory over division rival Baltimore Ravens.
But those numbers and results did not rattle the play-caller from Western Kentucky.
He came out to play and led the Jets to their second win in seven games.
White did not just manage the game to limit his team’s mistakes.
Instead, he outplayed Joe Burrow and finished with 37 completions for 405 yards and three touchdowns.
NFL makes no sense…
Trevor Siemian and the Saints are currently beating the hell AHT of Tom Brady and the Super Bowl champs
A guy named Mike White threw for 405 yards today.
And the Lions practiced a lot of hours this past week.. they lost 44-6
Greatest sport ever. pic.twitter.com/fF072F82yt
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 31, 2021
Any excellent performance by an athlete in New York gets amplified, and this is no exception.
Without question, he created a quarterback controversy by playing great football.
White Finally Got His Spotlight
Mike White represents the quintessential underdog story.
It was a long time coming for the Florida native who had to sit down one year of college after transferring from South Florida to Western Kentucky.
During his two years with the Hilltoppers, he was fantastic by completing 65.5 percent of his passes for 8,540 yards and 63 touchdowns.
Unfortunately, Conference USA isn’t the first place that NFL scouts would look for a quarterback.
Jets fans after seeing Mike White at QB pic.twitter.com/6ib1DyMNow
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) October 31, 2021
White ended up getting selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the draft featuring Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson.
A year later, the Jets signed him first to their practice squad before the season.
Since then, the Jets cut him four times before eventually re-signing and elevating him to the active roster.
Wilson’s injury in Week 7 versus the New England Patriots gave White the opening he desperately waited for four years.
Can’t believe an alpha male named Mike White, who threw for 405 yards and Earl Grey’d this week’s Super Boost..
It’s been 330 games since a Jets QB has thrown for 400 yards 😂😂
This is shocking.. I will have to reconfigure the algorithm. pic.twitter.com/xQaonW0y0a
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 31, 2021
At the game’s end, he became the second Jets quarterback since 2000 to throw for 400 yards.
He also became the second quarterback since Cam Newton in 2011 to complete over 400 yards in their first career start.
More importantly, he helped engineer a come-from-behind victory against the AFC North-leading Cincinnati.
From Unknown To Hero
The Jets fanbase rediscovered their energy after White’s heroic performance.
Likewise, sports radio hosts in the Big Apple will amplify his game and possibly make a case for him as the starter even if Wilson returns to full strength.
But could this be beginner’s luck for White?
If this outing is indicative of his caliber, the Jets will have a good problem in their hands.
"They were chanting Mike White? DUH! He deserves that." – Michael Carter pic.twitter.com/uwsaIdHqh6
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 31, 2021
They don’t need to rush Wilson’s return or maturation because he can learn the game as White’s backup.
Sadly, he’s only thrown four touchdowns against nine interceptions in seven games.
Meanwhile, the Jets return to being a good franchise if White can lead them to more victories.
Other NFL teams who are in dire need of a quarterback might even give Jets general manager Joe Douglas a call to inquire of his (or Wilson’s) availability.
“Are they chanting my name?”
Mike White forever a legend for his performance today. pic.twitter.com/7md6yVIpBT
— Barstool Western (@BarstoolWestern) October 31, 2021
The Jets can name their price, which can help them build a better team.
However, this scenario is all speculation now because White played one game, and maintaining greatness in the NFL is tough.
But after this game, the Jets must give White another shot at competing for the starting job.
He might be the hidden gem that will bring luster to a struggling franchise.
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