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 – Folk on song
The Jets’ only points came on two field goals by Nick Folk, who has still only missed one kick all year.
Austin McNamara had another mixed day as he pinned the Saints inside the 10 three times but also had a poor 33-yard punt from his own 40 and a kickoff that bounced (way) short of the landing zone.
His only other punt was a 51-yarder that bounced to the return man and was returned 10 yards. The Saints got an extra 10 yards because Cam Jones was called for holding in punt protection. That was a wide snap by Thomas Hennessy too.
McNamara’s other two kickoffs were good, though, as they were both returned from inside the five.
On Saints kicks, Braiden McGregor broke through the line to pressure and field goal and Mykal Walker got some pressure on a punt.
Kick coverage – Smith-busters
The play of the day on special teams came from Arian Smith who got downfield well to blow up the return man at the 7-yard line with a big hit. The other gunner, Kene Nwangwu contributed too by forcing three fair catches.
On the only positive punt return of the day, Kobe King and Jarius Monroe combined to force the runner out of bounds.
The two Saints’ kickoff returns were stopped at the 28 and the 21. Dean Clark made the tackle on the first of those, then combined with Walker for the stop on the other one, followed a missed diving tackle attempt by Monroe.
Return game – I-Will Rise Up
This was a frustrating day for the return units as the Saints boomed nearly all of their kickoffs through the end zone to prevent Isaiah Williams and Nwangwu from getting a chance at a return. In addition, they only punted once and that was downed.
Williams didn’t help matters when a rare shorter kick bounced right past him and into the end zone, though. This forced New York to start at their 20-yard line.
He finally brought one out from the end zone and returned it to the 40, as there was some good blocking from Jones, Monroe and Andrew Beck in addition to an effective double team from Jelani Woods and Khalil Herbert. The Jets got five yards tacked on due to a penalty too, drawn by Jones.
Nwangwu also brought one out late in the game, running it back to the 32-yard line.
We’ll be back with the 3-on-D and 3-on-O over the next few days…