Two weeks ago to this day, the Jets signed K Nick Folk to essentially replace Jay Feely in a cost-cutting endeavor. It was that very day when I expressed my extreme distaste over the move, something that forced me to eat a lot of crow throughout the 2010-11 season.
In judging his performance, Jets fans were split. I personally think Folk had a solid season and did not negatively influence the result of any single game this season, which is all you can ask for from a kicker. YES, I'M TALKING TO YOU, Doug Brien and Mike Nugent. I digress ...
Oh, and not for nothing, but Folk did nail the biggest kick of his career, propelling the Jets to victory in dramatic fashion over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Wildcard match-up with no time remaining.
... That has to count for something.
Folk drilled 30 of 39 kicks (76 percent) and 37 of 37 extra points this season. Not a spectacular percentage, but he came up big when the Jets needed him most. Aside from one bad outing in Cleveland, he was solid. Unfortunately, he will be a free agent this offseason, and nothing is guaranteed.
As a result, Jets signed K Nick Novak today from the UFL's Florida Tuskers, where he garnered UFL 'Special Teams Player of the Year' honors. Manish Mehta provided the information behind the former Washington Redskins' kicker:
The journeyman played in regular-season games for the Redskins, Chiefs and Cardinals from 2005-08. Novak will presumably compete with incumbent Nick Folk.
Is he a viable candidate who will be brought in to replace free agent Folk? Or is he just camp fodder/some insurance in case Folk has a bad training camp in the spring?
Only the Jets' coaching staff knows for sure. Time will tell. Which reminds me, can someone get Mike T. on Line 1? Thanks!