CLEVELAND -- Cleveland Browns running back Carlos Hyde had quite a memorable night against the New York Jets last Thursday night, and it was more than the 21-17 victory that made for a pleasant evening.
As fast as Hyde ran over, around, through and away from defenders in the win over the Jets was nothing compared to his departure from the stadium, as he headed to the hospital to witness the birth of his son, Carlos Jr., who came into the world at eight pounds, 11 ounces in the early-morning hours Friday.
“It was a good day,” Hyde said Thursday. “It was my birthday also. It was just a good day overall. Just being there for my team, and then, having the chance to be there for my son coming out, it was a special day, and they did not really celebrate my birthday, but it is all good.”
PHOTOS | Cleveland Browns RB Carlos Hyde had quite the 28th birthday
Hyde fought his way into the end zone for the first time, and an unconventional two-point conversion drew the team even with the Jets, 14-14, with 42 seconds left to play in the third quarter of their nationally televised game on Thursday Night Football.
On first-and-goal from the New York one-yard line, Hyde took a handoff from quarterback Baker Mayfield, ran to the right side of the formation and kept his legs moving despite a host of Jets defenders bottling up the gaps at the line of scrimmage.
Despite being hit at the line of scrimmage by a pair of New York defenders, Hyde powered his way through the tackle attempts and extended the ball across the goal line for the touchdown.
Late in the fourth quarter, Hyde plowed his way through New York’s interior defense and into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown. On third-and-goal from the one-yard line, Hyde lowered the shoulder, kept his feet driving and never stopped on his way into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the game.
“It was not hard at all,” Hyde said of focusing on the game while awaiting the birth of his son.
“Just being out there on the field, I was like locked in. I knew what I had to do. I had a job to do. I was just hoping that he did not come during the game because I would have hated to have to leave the game. It all worked out. When I was out on the field, I was locked in, though.”
Hyde finished the win with a game-high 98 yards on 23 carries, and to offensive coordinator Todd Haley, that is a sign the rushing attack is getting stronger.
“I was really excited about Carlos,” Haley said. “I take my hat off to him. The guy, as his wife is being induced, that is not easy for a player to do. He is texting (running backs coach) Freddie Kitchens, and it is getting close to pregame, ‘Do not let them not dress me. I am coming. I am coming.’
“There is a lot on his plate, and I thought he put the pads on, played ball, played at a high level and gave us a chance to win, so I am excited. The tough part is getting all of the guys enough touches because of his build. He is one of those guys much like (Pittsburgh’s) Le’Veon (Bell), the more you give it to him, I think the stronger he gets. He is 230 pounds and wears those guys down, so they stop wanting to tackle him a whole bunch.”
While Haley is confident Hyde is just getting started with the Browns, the veteran rusher believes Carlos Jr. has plenty of rushing attempts and yards in him in the future.
“He is doing pretty well, a good baby,” Hyde said. “He has the potential. He was bigger than me.”
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