Special Teams Review: Jets-Eagles

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

Let's review the key contributions...

Kicking game - Less is Mor

Punter Thomas Morstead only had to punt four times but definitely outperformed his former teammate Braden Mann statistically. Three of Morstead's punts were returned, but for just nine yards, as he put three of the four inside the 20 and averaged a healthy 46.3 net yards.

Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein played a big role too, with all four of his made field goals coming from 43 yards or less - and one almost hitting the upright. Midway through the third quarter the Jets seemed to be contemplating Zuerlein attempting a 56-yarder down five, at a time when it was raining, but ultimately just took a delay of game and then punted.

There was almost pressure on one of Zuerlein's makes as Wes Schweitzer was mowed over by an interior rusher.

The Eagles missed a short field goal despite no real pressure on the kick. They almost had a punt blocked too but Jamien Sherwood didn't get a hand on it and ended up being flagged for running into the kicker.

Kick coverage - Irv-ing a purpose

Wide receiver Irv Charles is now basically the primary gunner with Justin Hardee on injured reserve and he was impressive. While he didn't consistently get downfield to force fair catches as often as Hardee routinely does, he closed quickly on the return man three times to lead to stops.

One of these was made himself, one saw him trip the return man who stumbled and was taken down by Sam Eguavoen and the other saw Sherwood clean up with a nice hit after the return man eluded Charles.

There was one fair catch as Charles and the other gunner, Tae Hayes got downfield well. Hayes was blocked off on one of the other returns, but Charles had rallied to blow it up anyway.

Return game - Nobody can hold a candle to Randall

Xavier Gipson, who has been dealing with an ankle injury but had a bigger role on offense this week, was still on kickoff returns but got taken off punts this week, perhaps because it was raining. Veteran Randall Cobb handled punts instead and all three Philadelphia kickoffs were touchbacks.

On the first punt, Cobb took a fair catch, but then after a penalty he had to let the re-kick bounce and it was downed inside the 10. On the only other Eagles punt, Kelee Ringo clattered into him for a kick catch interference penalty.

That wraps up the post-game analysis but we'll be back with the 3-on-D and the 3-on-O over the next few days...