The 2025 New York Jets season has not been very successful. At 3–9, New York hasn’t been able to put things together consistently on offense or defense. But there has been one major bright spot that most people aren’t talking about: the Jets’ special teams, which have quietly had an elite season.
Veteran kicker Nick Folk has been incredibly reliable this season, making 22 of his 23 field goal attempts for a 95.6 percent success rate per ESPN.
24-year-old punter Austin McNamara has also made a major impact, pinning opponents inside their own 20-yard line 22 times, which ranks fourth in the NFL, according to ESPN. He was also named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November by the NFL.
In the return game, Isaiah Williams and Kene Nwangwu have both provided steady production and have consistently set the Jets up with strong field position throughout the season. Both players have also found the end zone once this season, giving the team a spark on special teams.
GettyNick Folk makes game-winning field goal last Sunday.
Special Teams Takes the Spotlight
Head Coach Aaron Glenn said, “I’m one of the coaches that truly, truly believes that special teams can change the momentum of a game. That’s the reason why we spend so much time with it” (SNYJets on X).
“Banjo preaches buy-in, but with buy-in, you’ve got to also stay in and that’s what we’ve been doing. Every meeting, he puts this slide up about belief, and as long as you believe and have faith in Jesus Christ, you’ll go out and make every play,” said gunner Qwan’tez Stiggers when speaking about the special teams unit (SNYJets on X).
Stiggers recovered a muffed punt at the Falcons’ 2-yard line that set up a Jets touchdown in New York’s 27–24 win last Sunday.
“It is a legit special teams unit from Folk to McNamara to the coverage on punts and kickoffs. Stiggers is one of the best gunners in the league, you can certainly say, not to mention what they are getting on returns,” said ESPN’s Jake Asman on The Jake Asman Show. “I wish this team had a better defense and offense because the special teams is as good as any in the league right now.”
GettyQwan’tez Stiggers has been one of the best gunners in the NFL this season.
Offense and Defense Trending Upwards
Unlike the Jets’ special teams unit, their offense and defense have not been very consistent. However, New York’s most recent game against the Falcons last Sunday showed that this team is capable of playing well in all three phases, which is why the Jets came away with their third win of the season.
The Jets’ offense put up 27 points and was effective in the passing game, with Adonai Mitchell recording 102 receiving yards and a touchdown. The defense added two key sacks and made timely stops, which helped set up the offense to put Nick Folk in position to hit an impressive 56-yard field goal in the rain to win the game.
In prior weeks, New York struggled to succeed in all three phases, but the win over the Falcons showed what this team is capable of.
The Jets’ Overlooked Unit Shining in a Tough Year