We’ve been breaking down this week’s game. We conclude today’s postgame analysis with a look at the special teams.
Let’s review the key contributions…
Kicking game – McNa-more-a
After only punting twice last week, Austin McNamara gave us much more to scrutinize this week as he had to punt seven times. His numbers were solid, despite the fact he kicked one into the end zone from near midfield. He also put three inside the 20. That was almost six because in addition to the touchback, he also had two kicks fielded on the 21.
Nick Folk kicked another 51-yard field goal and an extra point, so he’s off to a decent start. His three kickoffs included one that was short and one onside kick.
On Bills field goals, the Jets were using Will McDonald to come off the edge and he got pressure a couple of times. This is an interesting wrinkle, as you’d usually put a defensive back there in case there’s a fake and they need to get to the edge but the Jets presumably feel McDonald is athletic enough to cope with that.
On punts, Marcelino McCrary-Ball had a couple of pressures, and Braiden McGregor, who got away with knocking the punter down, had one.
Thomas Hennessy had one uncharacteristic bad snap.
Return game – Can Davis save us?
The Jets opted to use Isaiah Davis as the primary kickoff returner this week and newcomer Isaiah Williams as the punt returner.
Davis was pretty good as he got out past the 30 four times in five returns, averaging 27. However, he was stuffed short of the 20 on another. His best return was 33 yards and he broke a couple of tackles on one.
Williams did field a couple of kickoffs but was stopped near the 20 on each of them.
Andrew Beck missed his block on the Davis return that was stuffed while McCrary-Ball also had three missed blocks, two where his man made the play and another where his man missed the tackle. Each also had a couple of good blocks though.
Cam Jones had the key block on Davis’ best return but did miss his block on one of the Williams returns.
Jeremy Ruckert also deserves a mention because he never makes a good block on special teams but he stayed on his man on the opening kickoff and blocked him to the ground. That didn’t really create any extra yardage but he is so inefficient at blocking on returns this has to be viewed as a positive sign.
Williams only got a chance to return one punt as he took a fair catch and saw another punt sail out of bounds. His lone return was good though, as he picked up 11 by slipping past a couple of Bills players. His progress was stopped when he ran right into his own teammate – Kiko Mauigoa – though.
Azareye’h Thomas was beaten by the gunner on the fair catch.
Kick coverage – Oliver all over
McCrary-Ball, Mauigoa and Isaiah Oliver each had two special teams tackles this week as the unit did a good job as a whole. The Jets stopped one kickoff return at the 20 and the other was out to the 40 but negated by a penalty. Punt return yardage was limited to 22 on four returns.
Qwan’tez Stiggers had the play of the day on special teams, as he ran down to blow up a punt return. He also downed a punt at the 10, but had one play where he was blocked out of the play on a return.
McCrary-Ball drew a hold on one play but the two gunners, Stiggers and Arian Smith each had a play where they appeared to be held but didn’t get the call.
Stiggers, McCrary-Ball and Malachi Moore each had missed tackles.
We’ll be back with the 3-on-D and 3-on-O over the next few days…