Jets’ running game soars with backups

The Jets may have found a running game during their heartbreaking 31-28 loss to the Raiders.

The combination of backup running backs Ty Johnson and Josh Adams proved to be effective against Las Vegas. The duo only saw significant action because starter Frank Gore exited with a concussion after the second play of the game.

Johnson rushed for 104 yards on 22 carries and scored his first career touchdown with 5:34 left to give the Jets a lead they would blow in the final seconds. Adams had 74 yards on eight carries. The Jets ran for 206 yards as a team, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.

“I think they did a great job,” Jets coach Adam Gase said. “We were looking to rotate all three of those guys. Those two guys did a really good job of going in there and being ready to go. There were some good holes, and we hit them. It’s nice to have a guy get over 100 yards rushing. We had 200 yards rushing on the [day], but it wasn’t enough.”

Johnson is the first Jets running back to gain 100 yards rushing since Isaiah Crowell rushed for a franchise-record 219 yards on Oct. 7, 2018 in a win over the Broncos. That was also the last game the Jets had 200 yards rushing as a team.

“It’s cool, and all and my family is happy,” Johnson said. “A lot of people messaging me this and that, but at the end of the day, we didn’t get the win either. I want to win. That’s point blank.”

The Jets claimed Johnson off waivers from the Lions on Oct. 2. He was a sixth-round draft pick in 2019 by Detroit. He only had eight carries before Sunday.

➤ It was a rough day for rookie tackle Mekhi Becton, who got beat on two strip-sacks in the first half. Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell beat Becton around the edge for the f irst sack, causing Sam Darnold to fumble, and the Raiders recovered.

“He got beat off the edge pretty quick,” Gase said. “He just couldn’t get the guy pushed past the quarterback.”

Ferrell got Becton again two series later on a stunt, where he started over guard Pat Elflein, but then wrapped around and beat Becton on the way to Darnold.

➤ The Jets suffered a few injuries: Gore left the game with a concussion. RG Greg Van Roten (foot), safety Ashtyn Davis (foot) and safety Bennett Jackson (hamstring) also were unable to finish the game.

➤ The loss was the first home loss for the Jets against the Raiders since Oct. 6, 1996. The Jets had won the last six meetings at home.