Jets Aren’t Giving Up On Greg Zuerlein Just Yet
At one point during the 2023 season, New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein was seen as one of the best in the sport, and well deserving of a new contract.
It hasn't even been two months into the 2024 season and already Jets fans are walking back their original comments on the veteran kicker nicknamed "Greg The Leg."
Zuerlein is a mediocre 8-12 from field goals this season. He missed two that ultimately decided New York's 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night.
He also missed a 50+ yard field goal against the Denver Broncos that would have won the Jets the game. Despite the inconsistencies from their kicker, special teams coordinator Brant Boyer still is ready to defend the person and player that is Zuerlein.
"He knows that he's got to make those kicks, at the end of the day, it's on us as a group. We've got to do more as a unit to come through in those times," Boyer said. "I have to be honest with you, I have not lost faith in Greg at all, and if you look through his track record, I think I said this last week, you look through his track record in his career, and when he's struggled maybe a little early, he always digs himself out of it.
"I have all the faith in the world, I've seen him work every single day, and he's hurting, which anybody would, but that's on me as a coach, that's on our group as special teams, and we got to improve, and that's part of this business."
Related: Steelers' QB Change Could Be Difference-Maker for JetsWhile Boyer's words are a stark defense of the 36-year-old, the actions of the Jets tell a different story. New York tried out three kickers on Wednesday - a warning shot for Zuerlein to get himself into gear.
And if he isn't careful, the strong 2023 finish will be a distant memory from the unemployment line.
This story was originally published October 17, 2024, 7:41 PM.
