Special Teams Review: Bills at Jets

We've been breaking down this week's game against Buffalo. We wrap up today's analysis with a look at the special teams.

Let's review the key contributions...

Kicking game - Sauce Castillo

With Sam Ficken injured, the Jets called up Sergio Castillo from the practice squad and he succeeded with his only two kicks. Despite being almost 30, the former CFL all star was making his first NFL regular season appearance.

Punter Braden Mann didn't get a chance to punt until six minutes into the second half, so it was just as well that the Jets used him on kickoffs instead of Castillo. Mann had one touchback on kickoffs.

As for his punting, he got much more work in the second half and was again disappointing. Two penalties bailed him out really because each of his four punts netted 36 yards or less.

Daniel Brown and Ryan Griffin each allowed their man to get close to pressuring on a punt.

The Bills missed two of their eight field goal attempts but the Jets didn't register any pressure on any of them.

Kick coverage - Cashman if you can

Ex-Jet Andre Roberts had a solid game, highlight by a 58-yard kickoff return and a 15-yard punt return. He also had a 19-yard punt return negated by a penalty.

Drawing penalties was about the only thing the punt coverage unit did well as Vyncint Smith and Lamar Jackson each drew a hold.

Blake Cashman was a standout in coverage with three special teams tackles, including a saving tackle from behind on Roberts' long kickoff return. Smith added two.

The long return was mainly Matthias Farley's fault as he got out of his lane, allowing Roberts to go up the sideline. Mann also missed a tackle down the field. Ashtyn Davis, Jackson and debutant Bryce Hager all had missed tackles in coverage, although Hager did also have a good open field tackle.

Return game - Ty Destroyer

Ty Johnson got a chance to be the kickoff returner this week and basically did better than anyone else has so far this year. He got out past the 25 on two of his three returns (albeit only just) but was stopped at the 21 on the other. Brown and Harvey Langi missed blocks to prevent him from getting any more yardage.

As for the punt return unit? They didn't get any work at all because the Bills never had to punt. I guess that's one way to ensure Braxton Berrios doesn't break the all-time fair catch record.

That wraps up today's analysis from the game, but we'll be back with more over the next few days...