Jets Country

Robert Saleh Isn't Concerned as Jets' Kicking Woes Continue

Greg Zuerlein missed a field goal and an extra point on Sunday against the Ravens.

Max Goodman

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As much as Robert Saleh was critical about how Greg Zuerlein kicked on Sunday, the Jets head coach assured that he isn't worried about his veteran kicker going forward. 

"He's a veteran, I think he'll bounce back. I'm not worried about Z," Saleh told reporters shortly after a 24-9 loss to the Ravens. "Obviously it wasn't his best day and I'm very confident that he'll bounce back just fine."

Zuerlein's frustrating performance began in the second quarter. New York's offense established some momentum in their fifth drive of the game, marching deep into Ravens territory. 

After an incompletion on third down, Zuerlein and the kicking team came on for a 45-yard attempt on fourth down. 

He missed wide left.

Zuerlein was able to drill his next try, also from 45 yards out, with a minute remaining in the first half. From there, he didn't have another chance until the very end of the fourth quarter, in garbage time. 

Joe Flacco had thrown a touchdown pass to tight end Tyler Conklin with exactly 60 seconds left on the clock. Zuerlein trotted out for his first extra-point attempt in green and white and missed it wide left.  

Zuerlein isn't the first Jets kicker to struggle in recent history. In fact, New York has had six different kickers over their last two seasons, from Sam Ficken all the way to Eddy Piñeiro, who finished the 2021 season going 8-for-8 on field goals. 

Saleh was asked why the Jets ended up choosing Zuerlein over Piñeiro as they wrapped up camp and the preseason. The head coach said there was a competition and Zuerlein beat Piñeiro "fair and square."

But wait. Why does there need to be a competition if Piñeiro was perfect from the field over five games at the conclusion of last season. Shouldn't that have been enough to win the starting job?

"You still have to come in and have a competition," Saleh added. "Obviously there's a multitude of reasons, with regards to trying to find someone established and create pressure in the situation. Eddy probably had the inside track. You create a pressure situation to make sure you know you have the right guy and Z beat him."

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher  of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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