..punters are bored — except for Jets' Braden Mann ~ ~ ~

[kelly]

Life is pretty easy if you’re a punter in the NFL these days. 

There have been 205 fewer punts through nine weeks this season than there were at this point in 2019. It’s no coincidence that some of the best teams in the league have also punted the fewest times.But if you’re Jets punter Braden Mann, the job is a little busier. The rookie leads the NFL with 46 punts in 2020, and his 5.11 punts per game are almost two boots more than the NFL average of 3.22. This should come as no surprise considering how the Jets’ season has gone so far. New York is 0-9 heading into its bye and ranks among the worst in most offensive stats.

As The Ringer’s Nora Princiotti pointed out this week, the punting shortage comes as a result of more scoring, third-down conversions and fourth-down attempts, as well as fewer sacks and offensive penalties. Teams have already averaged more points per game – 25.3 – through nine weeks than the previous record of 24.8 and are on pace to convert 43 percent of third-down attempts this season, a 4-percent increase from last season. NFL teams are also on pace to attempt more fourth-down conversions this season than last season, have been sacked 0.56 fewer times per game and have committed 1.41 fewer drive-killing penalties like offensive holding and false start.

By comparison, the Jets have been bad at the things that cause fewer punts like scoring and third-down conversions. They are among the worst in preserving possessions. New York ranks last in points per game, third-down conversions, total offensive yards, yards per drive and points per drive despite being tied for sixth with 96 drives through nine games. While the Jets have only given up 2.89 sacks per game, they’ve committed 19 offensive penalties – including tied for seventh-most offensive holding calls with nine.All of this has led to Mann, whom the Jets drafted in the sixth round this year, holding a three-punt lead over any other kicker in the league. His 2,075 punting yards also leads the NFL.

Mann doesn’t lead the league in yards per punt, though. His 45.1 average ranks 21st. 

Mann has improved every week when it comes to hangtime – a crucial element of punting that helps the special teams unit cover punts and pin opposing returners. Mann’s hangtime averaged 4.61 seconds over the past two weeks, which ranks fourth among punters, according to Michael Nania. That’s also 0.37 seconds longer than Mann’s average from Weeks 1-3.

 

The Jets would love to join the teams in the league who don’t need their punters as much, but that’s something only Joe Douglas and Adam Gase can change. A better offense would be a good starting point considering the Jets rarely hold onto the football long enough to put together scoring drives. The Jets haven’t been competitive in many games, but Mann attempted season-lows in the three matches this season the Jets had a shot at winning. He punted three times against the Broncos, four times against the Bills and just twice against the Patriots last week.

Punting more isn’t necessarily a bad thing – the Buccaneers rank 10th in scoring but fourth in punting attempts – but it’s not good when the team also can’t sustain long drives or score. Fixing the offense is the first step in punting less. Until then, Mann will earn a lot more reps than he expected to so early into his career.

>    https://jetswire.usatoday.com/2020/11/12/nfl-punters-bored-except-new-york-jets-braden-mann/