The Jets were on the eve of destruction before backup running back Elijah McGuire picked up two of the biggest yards of the game with five minutes to go in the fourth quarter.
For the first time in his football life, McGuire levitated into the end zone.
McGuire was initially stood up at the line of scrimmage, but with the help of his offensive-line friends he went in for a touchdown as the Jets took a 22-19 lead over the Texans on Saturday night at MetLife Stadium.
The Jets being the Jets, immediately allowed the Texans to march down the field for a touchdown, a terrific catch by DeAndre Hopkins on a 14-yard toss by Deshaun Watson with 2:15 remaining as the Jets lost, 29-22.
But back to that unique touchdown “run’’ by McGuire.
“The thing about that is that my feet weren’t on the ground,’’ McGuire said. “So I was in the air. The offensive line gave me a push and got me in there. It was crazy because I really got met in the hole, as a linebacker, that’s what you are supposed to do on the goal line. I was going backwards at first and then all of a sudden, I started moving forward. So I was like: ‘There goes my help.’ The offensive line got the drive to make it happen.’’
This was a day the Jets were looking to show some pride and somehow find a running game with Isaiah Crowell on the shelf with a toe injury. McGuire was limited in practice this week with an ankle injury after missing eight games earlier with a broken foot.
Rookie Trenton Cannon, who has had toe issues as well, got into the action with the Jets already having lost backup Bilal Powell (neck) for the season.
The Texans rushing attack came into the game ranked third in the NFL, averaging 153.8 rushing yards per game. The Jets were 21st with 106.2 yards per game. However, the Jets out-gained the Texans on the ground, 90 yards to 47. McGuire had 42 of those yards on 18 carries while Sam Darnold scampered for 35 on six carries.
McGuire has shown growth and toughness.
“He’s very consistent,’’ offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates said of McGuire this past week. “He was really impressive last year. We were excited about getting him, he got hurt the first day. So, we were excited to get him back.”
McGuire is trying to make the most of this opportunity.
“You can’t take it for granted,’’ he said. “You have to be ready when your number is called.’’
Hit the ground running, even when you are in the air.