Let the kicking battle commence!
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the New York Jets hosted six kickers for a workout on Tuesday, including notable players like Riley Patterson and Zane Gonzalez.
Kickers who worked out for the #Jets at MetLife Stadium this morning: Zane Gonzalez, Brayden Narveson, Riley Patterson, Spencer Shrader, Andre Szmyt, and Cade York. Team still going through its options ahead of Thursday against the #Texans.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 29, 2024
At his Tuesday media availability, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich spoke about the status of the Jets’ kicker competition.
“The next couple days, we’re going to see where we’re at, create as much stress and as much competition as we can with the guys here, and make a decision in the next couple days.”
Ulbrich added that they will “rep it up” with all the kickers trying out and pick the player who does the best ahead of Thursday’s game.
“We’re going to try to create some stress and as much as we can out in a practice atmosphere. May the best man kick.”
Interim HC Jeff Ulbrich said that the Jets are focusing on “competition” with the kickers that worked out today. Wants to put stress on them in game-like situations. Tryout will continue into tomorrow and said “May the best man kick.” #Jets pic.twitter.com/blWdIx9Bn9
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) October 29, 2024
Ulbrich also addressed why incumbent kicker Greg Zuerlein is still on the team, especially in the wake of his abysmal start to the season.
“The fact that it’s a quick turnaround is a big part of that. There’s a synergy between a snapper, a kicker, and the holder. We have to just make sure that that is right before we make a decision that might be harmful to the team.”
Regarding the play-calling process for the offense, Ulbrich said they have “shined a light” on everything and are looking to improve this week.
“It’s been addressed obviously with the offensive personnel, but it’s everything. It’s a combination of getting the call in quickly, everybody letting the information process, immediately getting to your alignments, get to the line of scrimmage with urgency. When you do all those things, Aaron will have the ability to utilize his superpower, and that’s, for one, a chance to look at the defense and process the information that he sees.
“And two, he utilizes cadence, which we know historically has been a great weapon for him. All those things have been addressed and are anticipated to improve vastly.”
Ulbrich has spent plenty of time at the podium as a head coach to this point. Whether it is preaching accountability or promising improvement, the interim head coach has said all of the right things.
It is all about results, though. The kicking needs to be fixed on the field. Accountability needs to be there for all aspects of the team. Winning football must be played.
Until the results are there, words will just be words. For the Jets, actions are what is needed for the remainder of the 2024 season.
