Jets Kicker Greg Zuerlein Faces Heat After Costly Misses Against Patriots
The New York Jets are grappling with a kicker crisis following another tough outing for Greg Zuerlein. In Sunday’s matchup against the New England Patriots, Zuerlein missed both an extra point and a critical field goal, contributing to the Jets’ narrow 25-22 defeat. This marks his sixth missed field goal of the season—a troubling pattern for the veteran kicker, who was previously one of the Jets’ most dependable players.
The game underscored a tough situation. Early in the first quarter, Zuerlein missed an extra point attempt following a touchdown, leaving the Jets trailing by one. In the fourth quarter, with the Jets holding a slim 16-14 lead, Zuerlein missed a 44-yard field goal attempt. This miss left the door open for the Patriots to capitalize, and they did just that, ultimately snatching the win in the closing moments. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, when asked if he regretted sticking with Zuerlein despite these costly misses, remained supportive of his kicker but acknowledged the team would be evaluating every aspect of its performance moving forward.
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Zuerlein’s recent struggles are a far cry from his strong performance last season, where he missed only three field goals. His reliability then earned him a two-year, $8.4 million contract, signaling the Jets’ trust in his abilities. But that trust has wavered amid recent struggles. The team reportedly considered replacing him earlier in the season, even holding tryouts for several free-agent kickers. Zuerlein attributed his issues to minor mechanical adjustments he’s been trying to make, but so far, those adjustments haven’t translated into game success.
Zuerlein’s struggles are just part of the Jets’ broader challenges this season. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, brought in as a high-profile addition to the team, has faced questions regarding his mobility, as noted by Patriots DT Davon Godchaux, who remarked post-game that Rodgers “didn’t look mobile at all.” Adding to the team’s woes, starting linebacker C.J. Mosley was sidelined due to a neck injury, and wide receiver Allen Lazard was out with a chest injury, further limiting the Jets’ options in key positions.
With these ongoing issues, the Jets’ road ahead remains uncertain. They’ve already experienced close losses against other teams this season, including missed field goals that could have changed the outcomes against the Steelers, Bills, and Broncos. Each loss has added pressure to Zuerlein, whose once-reliable leg now faces heavy scrutiny.
As the Jets prepare for upcoming games, the question looms: will they stick with Zuerlein, hoping he regains his previous form, or will they bring in fresh talent to help secure those crucial points? For now, fans and team members alike are left waiting and watching, hoping that changes—whatever they may be—can help turn things around.
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