Audible: The 2009 Special Teams
Continuing our series on the position groupings, today we continue with the Jets Quarterbacks.
With a Pro-Bowl Kick Returner, a fair punter, two kickers a solid long-snapper, this unit for the Jets is for the most part squared away. In 2009, the team needs to make solid improvement in their punt return game and punt coverage. According to Football Outsiders, the Jets made HUGE strides in kick coverage in 2008 in comparison with their 2007 unit … care to guess why? I’ll give you a hint … think “line drives” …
With Westhoff in town for another season and during SuperBowl week admitting that he didn’t get the roster exactly the way he wanted it due to his late arrival, there’s still work to be done. The Jets can expect some consistent output, but although they are one of the best all-around units in the league, they can still make improvement.
What do you think the Jets can do to better their special teams? Who should stay or go in terms of the kicking game? Can the Jets get better at their punt returns? Is there someone on the team that could be utilized there more effectively?
15 Responses to Audible: The 2009 Special Teams
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nyckage says:
I don”t think you can have an All Star Long snapper, you said he was solid, that must mean there are some Hall of Famers long snappers out there, if he doesn’t make mistakes then say he is a good long snapper
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JetOrange says:
1. Wallace Wright has made is career on special teams, other teams game plan against him, but he always brings it.
2. Brad Smith keeps hanging around, Westoff will continue to lobby for him.
3. Amhad Carroll shows the importance of speed, excelled at SP, will SP be a road that helps Carroll become an NFL CB
4. Nugent vs. Feely ????
5. Clowney couldn’t get on the field, because he couldn’t play specials
6. The Story of James Dearth…teach your son to be a longsnapper…
7. The Jets have been patient with Trusnick, lot of time on IR,, because he was a force on SP, late opprotunities at LB encouraging.
8. Bakers lack of SP skills may be cause for temporary unemployment. Second string TE’s have to block and play specials
9. Will Washington decrease his special teams role to increase his offensive role ??
10. Whats happening with Kevin O Dea -
Harvlis says:
Oakland’s punter, Shane Lechler, is not happy there, from what I have read. As he is a force, I would see what it takes to get him.
I would like to pick up a kicker who can kick off into the endzone. Even if we have to carry two kickers.
I would like to get a back-up O-lineman who can snap it long. Dearth has done a nice job but, I hate wasting this roster spot.
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Awesome notes JetOrange
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dade county jets fan says:
They said the reason clowney didnt get any playing is because he lacked the ability to contribute on special teams. I was at the last jets win of the year against buffalo and he made a pretty solid tackle on kick off coverage. why not try him back there returning punts. his speed alone will make punt coverage units hesitate and sometimes all you need is a little hesitation on the other teams part to bust a big run back.
That being said….i’m sure washington scares coverage units any time he returns a punt, but he may have an increased role next year on offense and maybe clowney can take over on punt returns for him.
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Jerry says:
I seem to rember Clowney making a nice punt return in pre-season. He also has pretty good hands. I would give him a chance. It would allow Leon more touches on offense (It’s tough to go out on the field after retuning a punt).
Feely over Nugent (kick-offs).
Get a punter. There will be several FAs.
While Brad Smith is excellent at coverage, he doesn’t do enough on offense to justify a roster spot. You can’t keep Wallace and Smith both if they have no potential for becoming starters. -
DAVID says:
i think we just need a great punter and were ok…….washington is probably my favorite all around player on the jets in a long time i love dat little dude they jus need to find him a smaller helmet its weighing him down!!!!!
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ronnie says:
all we need is a great punter.
i watched 2 games this postseason where the punters just about won the games by themselves.
it was koch for baltimore vs i forgot (i think tennesse)
and scifres for the chargers vs the colts -
LukeV says:
I think the speedster midget danny woodhead may be returning punts next year! Opposing teams won’t even be able to see him at 5’6″…he could be our darren sproles!
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JetLover says:
Leon Washington is amazing on kick off returns but the Jets need someone else to return punts. Leon calls fair catches when the opposition is 20 yards away. He has no guts on punt returns. PLEASE Get someone fast who is willing to do what it takes to advance the ball on punt returns!!
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Fred says:
punt returning could be a good place to start out Clowney.
I dont think lack of punt returners is a problem becuase we have Leon, Clowney, Lowery, Revis, Stuckey, and possibly another WR we select in the upcoming draft. -
repeat- woodhead the man for the job, no question asked!
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If Woodhead is the best there is, great! I think Clowney would be awesome too. ANYBODY but Leon in that role!!!!
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Jeff says:
The question is the kicking game. Who will win Nugent or Feely. I mean Feely is in his 30′s and Nugent is young and will come on the cheap. Nugent has been sold If i remember 07. Unfortunate injury last season. But for a second rounder I do want him back
The jets need to use special teamers based on speed alone.