Special Teams Review: Jets-Cardinals

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

Let's review the key contributions...

Kicking game - Shrader of the lost art

New kicker Spencer Shrader made both of his field goal attempts, albeit that one was very close to the upright. He was also good on kickoffs, with three touchbacks. However, with Anders Carlson now in the fold, the Jets could feasibly use their fourth kicker in four games next weekend.

It's obvious that the Jets want touchbacks from their kickers, but - as discussed last week - it's debatable whether that's better than just kicking short and covering a return.

Punter Thomas Morstead only punted twice, with one going out of bounds and the other downed inside the 20.

On Cardinals kicks, Brandin Echols had two pressures off the edge and Qwan'tez Stiggers had one.

Return game - Nothing to report

Xavier Gipson didn't get any opportunities for the second week in a row as the Cardinals had five touchbacks on their five kickoffs and only punted once.

On the lone punt, Gipson signalled for a fair catch and Joey Blount was flagged for interference as he tried to distract him. Jarrick Bernard-Converse was beaten by Blount on that play.

Despite our earlier assertion that allowing a return is potentially better than a touchback, teams are adopting this approach against the Jets too. Gipson has returned just two kickoffs in the past six games.

Kick coverage - McCrary-Ball don't lie

There isn't much to report on kick coverage either, as the Jets didn't record a single tackle because their five kicks were three touchbacks, one out of bounds and one downed inside the 20.

Marcelino McCrary-Ball downed the punt after Irv Charles got downfield well. Charles remains tied for the team lead with Chazz Surratt on five special teams tackles.

We'll be back with the 3-on-D and 3-on-O over the next few days...