Special Teams Review: Jets-Broncos

We've been breaking down this week's game against the Patriots. We wrap up today's analysis with a look at the special teams.

Let's review the key contributions...

Kicking game - When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that's a Morstead

It's probably not a good sign that placekicker Matt Ammendola has already been scoreless in two of his first three NFL games. In this one, his only attempt was an impressive 56-yarder but the Jets were called for a delay of game before the snap and then opted to punt rather than look for a team-record 61-yarder.

Officially Ammendola didn't get a single snap after putting the opening kickoff through the end zone for a touchback.

Thomas Morstead atoned for allowing that delay of game to happen - although it arguably was snapped on time - by landing his next punt down at the six-yard line. His numbers were once again very good as the Jets' punt coverage was excellent.

On six punts, Morstead's net average of 44.0 was actually better than Braden Mann's gross average of 43.9 last season. However, it would be good to see how well Mann can do with this coverage unit.

In the Bronco's kicking game, Brandin Echols got pressure off the edge on a field goal and Del'Shawn Phillips deflected a punt.

Kick coverage - Can't Hardee wait

As noted, the Jets' coverage on those six punts was excellent. Justin Hardee - who was obviously also paired with Morstead in New Orleans - put on a show, routinely getting downfield against double-teams to force fair catches, get into position to down the ball, draw an illegal block in the back penalty that wasn't called and distract the punt returner into dangerously letting the ball bounce right by his feet.

Hardee also had a 15-yard penalty for taunting, which is a bit embarrassing when you're celebrating a fair catch while trailing by 17 in the second half. He was a little chippy all day, perhaps fired up by Robert Saleh's comments during the week that Jeff Smith is the Jets' "best gunner".

Whatever Saleh's reasons for saying that, this isn't true, because Smith was routinely the second guy down and often against single coverage, but he did do a good job of being in position behind Hardee. Between the two of them they should help the Jets to put up good numbers in the punting game all year.

On the only two occasions where the return man was able to try and bring the ball back, Jamien Sherwood and Hamsah Nasirildeen were there to limit the returns to 11 and five yards.

Return game - Ryan Whiffin'

Braxton Berrios, who continues to return punts and kickoffs, didn't get many chances in this game, as he didn't field any of Sam Martin's three punts and six of Brandon McManus' kickoffs were touchbacks.

He did, however, run back one kickoff, out past the 30 on a nice return. However, Ryan Griffin was flagged for an illegal block in the back after letting his man run past him.

On the punt return unit, Deuce Carter got beaten by the gunner, preventing Berrios from being able to field one punt.

In his first NFL game, the Jets employed Jason Pinnock in the middle of the field, slowing up one of the punt protectors. Logically you'd think it would make sense for Pinnock, an outside corner who is good a press-jam, to take on one of the gunners in the vice role, while either Carter or Javelin Guidry could play the middle of the field where they'd be more experienced in open space due to their experience of playing in the slot.

Pinnock handled the assignment well, but he's looked good in the vice role in the past and perhaps that's a move they should consider.

That wraps up today's analysis from the game, but we'll be back with more over the next few days...