Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Conley, Jets' punt coverage leading in fair catches

By Nick St. Denis

The kick return team has gotten most of the attention in terms of the New York Jets' special teams, but an overlooked aspect of coach Mike Westhoff's success is punt coverage.

New York (7-5) has done an exceptional job this season at getting to the returner before he has a chance to attempt a run-back. The Jets have yielded 20 fair catches when punting, which is tied for the most in the league. They have also limited their opponents to 24 returns, which makes for a great return-to-fair catch ratio.

Only the Cleveland Browns have a better return-to-fair catch ratio (21-to-20) than the Jets.

Jets punter T.J. Conley has had a few poor boots in his first active season but has done an overall good job, not only at getting enough hang time for the coverage unit to reach to returner, but also in pinning teams inside the 20-yard line.

Conley replaced Steve Weatherford this summer as the Jets' starting punter. He competed with Weatherford for the job in 2010 training camp, as well, but didn't win the spot then.

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