New York Jets Mid-Season Report: Special Teams

Oct 16, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Jets kicker Nick Folk (2) reacts after missing a field goal at the end of the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots defeated the New York Jets 27-25. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Time for part three of our series, reviewing the New York Jets at the mid-season mark. We started by reviewing the offense, yesterday, we took a look at the defense. Today, we look at the final position grouping, the special teams.

Nick Folk has been his stellar self once again. Other than the blocked kick late against New England, he has probably been the Jets best player. Folk is perfect on PAT’s, and is 14-15 in field goals, with a long of 55 yards. Folk was given an extension, and he has been all the player the Jets have expected from him.

Oct 16, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Jets special teams coach Thomas Mc Gaughey (second from left) reacts as punter Ryan Quigley (4) comes off the field against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Quigley has actually put in a better season than any of you probably realize. He has posted a 47.4 yards per punt average, but more importantly, his net average is 43.5, good for second in the NFL. You didn’t realize that the Jets punter was this good, did you?

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But, he is never consistent enough. Despite the good numbers, do any of you really feel that he is going to pin the opposition deep when the Jets need it? I know I don’t. He has shanked too many in too many big spots. He doesn’t make you feel save when he comes in, and when you play like the Jets, field position is of the utmost importance. We need more.

Oct 26, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Percy Harvin (16) carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The kick return game and punt return game have not produced much. The longest return on a punt has been 15 yards. On the kickoffs, Walt Powell returned one 62 yards, but nobody else has posted any kind of a scary run that can change momentum. And, nobody has produced a touchdown. Remember when the Jets could make a special teams play that changed a game? Well, that feels like a lifetime ago. I miss Mike Westhoff.

Can we beg him to come out of retirement?