The New York Jets finally stopped playing games with their kicking situation. It was time to move on from the uncertainty of the preseason. Jason Sanders has been officially confirmed as the kicker the team is moving forward with. This decision makes a lot of sense for a team that needs stability.
The End of the Grupe Experiment
The team made a big move on Tuesday. According to Brian Costello of the New York Post, the Jets waived Blake Grupe. This move happened alongside the decision to sign Sanders to the active roster. The Jets had previously claimed Grupe off waivers after the initial 53-man roster cuts. He never actually got a chance to kick in a game for the team. Now, the organization is sticking with the veteran they know.
Sanders Proved His Worth On the Field
Sanders didn’t just get lucky. He earned this spot through solid play during the start of the season. He was on the practice squad after being cut following the preseason. However, he was elevated for the first three games of the year. During that stretch, he went 5-for-6 on field-goal attempts. He also made all five of his point-after attempts. Per The Jet Press, the kicker has been nothing but solid since his early struggles in the preseason. He was perfect on all attempts during the second and third weeks of the season.
Stability for the Special Teams Unit
The coaching staff clearly values what Sanders brings to the table. Aaron Glenn previously noted that Sanders’ familiarity with the holder and long snapper was a key factor. The results on the field back up that trust. In the recent 31-24 loss to the Lions, Sanders converted a 42-yard field goal and his lone extra-point attempt.
