Jets' Stock Portfolio: Two Pairs of Veterans Trending in Different Directions in Week 6
Some free-agent signings prove to be more valuable than others and such is currently the case with the New York Jets.
This week's Jets Country Stock Report is comprised solely of veterans who were signed by the Jets over the past two years. Two are on the rise and two are on the decline heading into the October 15 home game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
It's time to buy shares in tight end Tyler Conklin, who has shown the ability to be a safety blanket for quarterback Zach Wilson. Punter Thomas Morstead is also on the upward trend in his 15th NFL season.
Meanwhile, it looks as if the Jets have dropped any expectations for defensive end Carl Lawson and receiver Mecole Hardman. Neither player figures to see many snaps until further notice.
UP: Tyler Conklin, TE 📈
Conklin is on pace to be the team's second-leading receiver for the second year in a row. The productive pass-catcher sits behind only Garrett Wilson in receptions (17) and receiving yards (203) this season.
"Last year, we felt like we had something special with him. He’s done nothing but get better in every year of his career," said head coach Robert Saleh. "He can win one on ones, and he’s physical at the point in blocking. He can win one on ones on the linebacker and the safety."
Against Denver, Conklin moved the chains at two important junctures of the victory with energizing receptions. He converted a 3rd-and-4 situation by gaining 19 yards on a third-quarter catch that led to a field goal. With the Jets protecting a 24-21 lead late in the fourth quarter, the tight end accounted for a 37-yard reception on third down.
"I believe it was third and four when he gained that 37-yard gain. That was one of the most perfectly executed plays I’ve ever seen. Then the mentality and physicality afterwards, that is what as a coach, we all strive for," said offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. "That kind of a critical moment was just so awesome to see."
Conklin finished with 67 yards on four grabs. He was targeted five times.
Jets vs. Eagles (Week 6)
Sunday, Oct. 15 • 4:25 pm ET
Location: East Rutherford, NJ (MetLife Stadium)
Watch: FOX / fuboTV (start your free trial)
Point Spread: Eagles -6.5
Money Line: Eagles -300; Jets +230
Total (Over/Under): 42.5
Odds provided by SI Sportsbook. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-522-4700.
UP: Thomas Morstead, P 📈
Morstead has been everything the Jets could have asked for and more. The 37-year-old currently ranks eighth in the NFL amongst net punting leaders (44.1).
The consummate professional, who has become synonymous with steady and reliable throughout his 15-year NFL career, is a key piece to a smooth special teams operation. He's also taken the opportunity to noticeably affect the game in multiple instances.
Morstead, who has pinned opponent inside its own 20-yard line on nine of his 25 punts, set the stage for safeties each of the past two weeks.
"He’s aggressive and wanting to get it inside the 10 and when he does, we feel as a defense that we’re pretty good in the sense that we can keep them inside the 10-yard line," said Saleh.
That's exactly what played out against Denver and Kansas City.
Morstead boomed a 54-yarder that went out of bounds at the Broncos' 6-yard line. One play later, Al Woods made a beeline to the quarterback and forced an intentional grounding penalty in the endzone. One week earlier, the Jets' punter pinned the Chiefs inside their own 10-yard line with a 49-yard boot. KC received the kick at the 8-yard line and was backed up another four yards on a penalty. Pass rusher Bryce Huff subsequently drew an offensive penalty as he flew past right tackle Jawaan Taylor.
"One of the most more underrated aspects of football from not in the football world, but outside from a fan perspective, is what we call backed up situation. It’s when the offense has the ball inside the 10-yard line," said Saleh of Morstead's ability to turned the tables on the opponent. "We treat it like a possible turnover because if you make them punt from there, or you get a safety."
DOWN: Carl Lawson, DE 📉
The red flags started popping up in August when Lawson missed time due to a back injury. The veteran edge rusher, who had 7.0 sacks in 17 starts last year, was a Week 1 inactive and found himself back on the bench in Week 5.
Lawson appeared in three straight games in between but wasn't been much of a factor in the Jets' defensive line rotation. He's on the last year of a three-year deal and is falling behind rookie Will McDonald on the depth chart.
Playing 52 defensive snaps, Lawson has made three tackles this season.
DOWN: Mecole Hardman, WR 📉
Hardman's lack of usage has been somewhat of a mystery. After signing the two-time Super Bowl champion to a free-agent deal this past March, the Jets have deployed the speedy slot receiver for only 22 offensive snaps this season.
He was a healthy scratch in Week 5 and had only one catch for six yards over the four games prior.
Having already ceded primary returner duties to him, Hardman has also fallen behind undrafted rookie Xavier Gipson in the Jets' receiver hierarchy.
"He’s here, working, competing, until someone upstairs says otherwise," said Saleh earlier this week in what wasn't exactly a ringing endorsement.
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