Nick Folk: The Unsung Hero
by Matt Birch on Oct 13, 2010 9:06 PM EDT
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PrintDuring the offseason, Jets' front office chose to sign K Nick Folk and release K Jay Feely in a cost-cutting maneuver. The majority of the money that was freed up went to pay for bringing in OLB Jason Taylor.
This move upset a lot of Jets' fans, including myself. Well guys, it's time for us to eat crow. I will admit, I even went on to say this move was as big of a deal as the Faneca release.
Nick Folk is doing a pretty good job of proving us all wrong.
The current AFC special teams player of the week is 13/15 on field goals this season (one of them blocked) and 13/13 on extra points.
John made a great point about giving the MNF game ball to CB Antonio Cromartie for his defense on WR Randy Moss. However, I personally would have given it to Nick Folk. Folk was 5/5 on field goals on Monday night which includes a 53-yarder, and made sure the Vikings never took the lead. I really believe the key play in the game was during our final drive in the first half, when a monsoon came out of nowhere and nearly killed our momentum, keeping us out of the end zone. Still, Folk came in and was as cool as the other side of the pillow, drilling a kick to put us up 9-0. More importantly, the Jets took a two-scores lead into the half and could breath easy.
The last of his tasks for this season was to kick in severe inclement weather at New Meadowlands Stadium. On Monday night, he did that. Sure, he hasn't faced the swirling 30 mph winds yet, but it's safe to say he has more than proven himself.
It's time to give Folk the credit he is due, he has helped us to win some big games this year.
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The Jets won 29-20
Hes a big part of the win with 15 points plus the PAT’s.
Individuals don't win Championships, Teams do.
Chase for 28
Get Off My Mound
Agree, he made sure the Jets always had separation and always maintained the lead.
MNF MVP, especially with the weather. (in my eyes)
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He was very talented in Dallas.
He just went through a funk. 53 yarders in East Rutherford is a tough task.
Individuals don't win Championships, Teams do.
Chase for 28
Get Off My Mound
No Way - just you wait.
When the big, clutch moments come late in the season and especially in the playoffs (if we make it) – he’s going to choke.
Better kickers than Folk have had great regular seasons and completely fallen to the pressure in playoff games: Gary Anderson, Scott Norwood, Nate Kaeding (to our benefit as we remember), AND, as I’m sure we all want to forget – Doug Brien.
I don’t believe in Nick Folk, but I do hope that I’m proven completely wrong about him.
FWIW, I’ve heard from Cowboys fans who say other than last year he was really clutch.
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Yup.
Last year was a odd year for him. But look at the MNF vs. Buffalo. Nailing two 50+ yard FG’s after being froze.
Individuals don't win Championships, Teams do.
Chase for 28
Get Off My Mound
Wasn't he hurt last year too?
"(BARF)" - Donovan McNabb, during his game winning drive against Virginia Tech in 1998
by kotite4ever on Oct 13, 2010 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Much Cred to Folk
The only thing that worries me was the stat given in the game which put Folk as the worst FG% for attempts inside the 30 (I believe it was below 90%). While it is all well and good to feel that Folk has proved himself an asset, he has already missed one chippy, and in a big spot I know I won’t feel as calm as I would with a more consistent kicker.
I honestly feel better with Folk than I do with Feely from distance. But at close range, not in the least.
"Sometimes it's the people. Any player can play defense, but not every player will play defense. Sometimes it's a lack of perseverance." - A. Johnson
He is currently at 88% for FGs inside the 30 for his career.
He missed 2 in 2007 and 1 in 2009 (I believe).
"Sometimes it's the people. Any player can play defense, but not every player will play defense. Sometimes it's a lack of perseverance." - A. Johnson
by kv on Oct 13, 2010 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Interesting that you mention Faneca...
…because for the most part, Slauson is also quietly having himself a very good year so far.
"(BARF)" - Donovan McNabb, during his game winning drive against Virginia Tech in 1998
As of recent, yes. He's getting much better.
During first three games he was terrible. Had a very solid game on Monday night, though.
Still, he’s now improving/maturing, which is a great sign.
I only brought it up because I myself said the two biggest red flags this offseason were Slauson and Folk, and I’m being proven wrong at the moment.
Gang Green Nation Managing Editor --- covering all things NY Jets!
SB Nation(.Com) Contributing Writer
I gotta say I kinda sorta nailed it on this one guys
I’m pretty sure I predicted that he’d be totally fine. ;)
F U!
Gang Green Nation Managing Editor --- covering all things NY Jets!
SB Nation(.Com) Contributing Writer
(joking)
Good call, Exy.
Gang Green Nation Managing Editor --- covering all things NY Jets!
SB Nation(.Com) Contributing Writer
Real professional of you :P
Kidding obviously lol. Thanks dude!
great stuff
i remember watching that epic buffalo game where he kicked a onsider with like 20 seconds left and then nailed two 50 something yarders in a row in the cold.. pure awesome.
everyone has bad days, weeks…even vinateri misses a few here and there
Folk plus Jason Taylor
When Feely left for Arizona in free Agency , I thought the Jets were just being cheap, and a bad football move. They bring in Nicky and I see nothing but disaster. The Jets propaganda machine starts up with Westoff being a kicking guru see’s some promise, I didn’t believe it, wrong again. Feely leaving in Free agency allowed the Jets to obtain Jason Taylor, great move. Folk has been consistant, kicks well in bad weather, and is an overall improvement in kickoffs over Feely…
If the Jets didn’t have faith in Folk, there would be no Jason Taylor…
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