Terps in the NFL: Ty Johnson posts a career day for the New York Jets

With injuries to La’Mical Perine and Frank Gore, New York Jets running back Ty Johnson shined against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. The former Terp had a career day, surpassing the century mark with 104 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 carries.

Johnson’s contribution put his team in a prime position to secure its first win, with the second-year back scoring at the goal line to give the Jets a late fourth quarter lead and notch his first NFL end zone celebration.

A botched defensive stand in the final seconds dropped the Jets to 0-12, but Johnson’s promising performance may have given the former Maryland standout a home in the pros.

The Detroit Lions drafted Johnson in the sixth-round (186th overall) of the 2019 draft. Injuries promoted Johnson to the starting position for a Week 10 matchup against the Chicago Bears, but the majority of his rookie season saw him act as change-of-pace back.

On Oct. 1, 2020, with just one career start under his belt, Johnson was waived by the Lions. The next day he signed with the Jets.

Johnson entered Week 13 as Gore’s backup, but after the veteran sustained a concussion early, the former Terp took the reins of the backfield. The shifty back averaged 4.7 yards per carry and was on the field for 63 percent of New York’s offensive snaps in the 31-28 loss to Las Vegas.

If Gore is held out, Johnson should be in line for his second career start next week against a Seattle Seahawks defense that has been solid against the run this season.

Other Performers

• Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in Monday night’s 34-24 victory over the 49ers. Despite not finding the end zone, Diggs corralled 10 catches for 92 yards.
• Cornerback J.C. Jackson has been piling up the interceptions all season for the New England Patriots, and he continued his torrid stretch with his seventh takeaway in the Pats’ 45-0 shutout victory over the Chargers. Jackson only trails Miami Dolphins corner Xavien Howard by one pick for the league lead.
• Green Bay Packers safety Darnell Savage continued his interception frenzy against the Eagles, picking off Jalen Hurts to send Green Bay to victory formation. This is Savage’s second game in a row with a pick, pushing his season total to three.
• Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue was quiet for the Baltimore Ravens in their win over the Dallas Cowboys Tuesday night, only recording one tackle.
• The Pittsburgh Steelers saw contributions from three former Terps. Safety Sean Davis recovered a muffed punt return by Ray-Ray McCloud in the second quarter that led to a Pittsburgh touchdown drive. Fellow safety Antoine Brooks Jr. saw the field for only one defensive snap and running back Anthony McFarland Jr. ran the ball four times for 15 yards.
• Bills defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson recorded one tackle after playing 44 percent of defensive snaps.
• Defensive end Byron Cowart was quiet for the Patriots but was still able to record a QB hit and a pass deflection in his tenth start of the season.
• Bears linebacker Josh Woods was limited to special teams action in Sunday’s loss to the Lions.
• The former Terps on the Carolina Panthers, wide receiver DJ Moore and linebacker Jermaine Carter Jr., had a bye week.