The New York Jets’ kicking competition takes center stage as Anders Carlson and rookie Caden Davis battle for the starting role in 2025. After Greg Zuerlein’s costly misses last season, the Jets’ special teams face immense pressure to deliver stability.
With Dallas looming in Week 5, the contrast between the Cowboys’ explosive offense and New York’s kicking uncertainties could decide the matchup. As both young kickers attempt to prove their worth, the Jets’ long-term solution at the position remains unclear.
- The New York Jets face uncertainty at kicker with Anders Carlson (76.5% FG accuracy) competing against undrafted rookie Caden Davis (83.3% FG accuracy) for the starting role.
- In Week 5 against Dallas, Carlson went 1/1 on field goals despite the Jets’ offensive struggles, while the Cowboys’ veteran kicker showcased superior reliability with an 89% FG rate.
- The Jets’ kicking woes trace back to 2019, cycling through four kickers since Jason Myers’ Pro Bowl season, with special teams performance potentially deciding close games.
- Fantasy managers should avoid Jets kickers due to limited opportunities (league-low 5 FG attempts through 5 games) and ongoing competition between Carlson and Davis.
Jets Kicker Battle 2025: Analyzing Carlson vs. Davis and Who Will Dominate the Cowboys Matchup
The State of the Jets’ Kicking Game in 2025
The New York Jets enter the 2025 season with lingering questions at the kicker position following Greg Zuerlein’s disappointing 2024 campaign. Zuerlein, known as “Greg the Leg,” struggled with consistency last season, missing several crucial kicks that directly contributed to Jets losses. This has led to an open competition between Anders Carlson and rookie Caden Davis for the starting job.
Carlson, who saw limited action in 2024, has shown both promise and inconsistency. His strong leg is undeniable, but accuracy issues have plagued him throughout his young career. Rookie Caden Davis, an undrafted free agent from Ole Miss, brings college success but faces the typical challenges of adjusting to NFL pressures.
The kicking situation becomes particularly intriguing when considering the Jets’ Week 5 matchup against the explosive Dallas Cowboys offense. A reliable kicker could mean the difference between keeping pace with Dallas’s scoring or watching the game slip away.
Breaking Down the Jets’ Kicker Competition
Anders Carlson’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Carlson enters his second year with the Jets after being signed midway through the 2024 season. The former Auburn standout possesses elite leg strength, evidenced by his 53-yard career long field goal. However, his 76.5% field goal accuracy in limited NFL action raises concerns about reliability.
During training camp, Carlson has shown improved consistency on mid-range attempts but continues to struggle with kicks beyond 50 yards. His mechanics, particularly his follow-through, have been inconsistent when pressured.
Caden Davis: The Rookie Wild Card
Davis comes to the Jets after a productive college career at Ole Miss, where he converted 83.3% of his field goal attempts in his final season. While lacking Carlson’s pure power, Davis has demonstrated superior accuracy from 40-49 yards during preseason action.
The undrafted rookie faces the typical challenges of adapting to NFL snappers and holders, plus the increased pressure of kicking in New York. However, his mental toughness has impressed coaches throughout camp.
| Kicker | FG% | Longest FG | XP% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anders Carlson | 76.5% | 53 yards | 92.3% |
| Caden Davis | 83.3% | 48 yards | 100% |
The Cowboys Matchup: A Special Teams Crucible
The October 5th showdown against Dallas presents unique challenges for the Jets’ kicking game. The Cowboys boast one of the league’s most explosive offenses, projected by ESPN to score 37 points against New York’s defense. This puts tremendous pressure on the Jets’ offense—and consequently their kicker—to keep pace.
Historical data shows that when facing high-powered offenses like Dallas’s, the margin for error shrinks dramatically. Missed field goals or failed PAT attempts become magnified in what’s likely to be a high-scoring affair.
The Cowboys’ defense excels at creating negative plays, meaning the Jets’ kicker may frequently face long field goal attempts from 45+ yards. This scenario favors Carlson’s stronger leg, but questions remain about his accuracy from distance.
Historical Context: The Jets’ Kicking Curse
Since Jason Myers’ Pro Bowl season in 2018, the Jets have cycled through kickers with alarming frequency:
- 2019: Used 4 different kickers
- 2020: Team FG accuracy of just 78.6%
- 2021: Missed 3 potential game-winning kicks
- 2022-2024: Continuous rotation of young kickers
This instability reflects both poor personnel decisions and the unique pressures of kicking in New York. The shadow of legendary Jets kickers like Nick Folk and Jay Feely looms large over current competitors.
Fantasy Football Implications
For fantasy owners considering Jets kickers, several factors demand attention:
- The Jets’ offense has struggled to move the ball consistently
- Limited red zone opportunities mean more field goal attempts
- Potential job insecurity between Carlson and Davis creates risk
However, there’s sleeper potential if the offense improves. The Jets face several weak defenses in the second half of the season, which could lead to increased scoring opportunities.
Looking Ahead: Potential Solutions
The Jets have several options to address their kicking situation:
- Stick with the current competition between Carlson and Davis
- Sign a veteran free agent like Rodrigo Blankenship
- Monitor potential trade options as the season progresses
The October 5th Cowboys game serves as an important litmus test. A strong performance could solidify one kicker’s job security, while struggles might prompt the Jets to explore external options.
Conclusion: Who Will Rise to the Challenge?
As the Jets prepare for their crucial matchup against Dallas, the kicking competition takes on added significance. Both Carlson and Davis possess the talent to succeed, but the mental aspect will determine who thrives under pressure.
The Cowboys game represents more than just another contest—it’s an opportunity for one of these young kickers to establish himself as New York’s long-term solution at the position. In a season filled with questions, resolving the kicking dilemma could provide much-needed stability for a franchise desperate for success.
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