For all the talk about the New York Jets’ offensive struggles and defensive inconsistencies, the most complete part of this team might be the one nobody’s talking about — special teams.
What Chris Banjo has built in his first year as coordinator borders on elite. The Jets have quietly assembled the best special teams unit in the NFL under Banjo's guidance, and the former NFL safety deserves plenty of credit.
This is Banjo's first year as a special teams coordinator after spending the last two seasons as an assistant in Denver. Three years ago, Banjo was still playing in the NFL as a backup safety and core special-teamer.
Now, he's heading arguably the best special teams unit in the NFL as Aaron Glenn's hand-picked coordinator. Banjo has come in and helped stabilize a unit that was a disaster for the Jets a year ago. The numbers back it up.
Chris Banjo's Jets have the best special teams unit in the NFL
It starts with the punter, who might be the best at his position in the sport. Austin McNamara has been nothing short of dominant. His 88.7 Pro Football Focus grade ranks first among all punters, as it has for most of the season.
McNamara leads the league in hang time (4.76 seconds), ranks third in lowest return rate (36.1%), and has already pinned 14 punts inside the 20 with just two touchbacks. He’s also first in “downed” punts (8) and has forced 13 fair catches. Simply put, he’s elite in every measurable way.
Then there’s Nick Folk, who hasn’t missed a single kick all year. The 41-year-old is 19-of-19 on field goals and 12-of-12 on extra points, showing the kind of consistency this team has long lacked.
Add in Kene Nwangwu, whose league-best 39.8-yard kick return average and NFL-leading 91.9 PFF return grade make him likely the league's most dangerous kick returner, and you’ve got a core that’s giving the Jets legitimate edges in hidden yardage every week.
Isaiah Williams, who returned a punt 74 yards for a touchdown in Week 10, has gone from roster reject to a redemption story. He’s rewarded Glenn’s faith after a rocky start, transforming into a steady and dynamic presence on returns.
The coverage teams are just as sharp, providing disciplined lanes and sure tackling. Thomas Hennessy remains a flawless long snapper.
It’s all come together under Banjo, who’s quietly orchestrated a near-flawless transition after the team moved on from longtime coordinator Brant Boyer. The Jets replaced both their kicker and punter this offseason, decisions criticized at the time, but they’ve proven spot-on.
Nwangwu told reporters on Monday that this is "near the top" of the special teams units he's played with. It's easy to see why that's the case — he was barely even touched on his kick return touchdown this past Sunday. The Jets' blocking on returns has been outstanding all year.
The Jets may not have a quarterback. They may lack talent and consistency on defense. But they do have an elite special teams unit that shows up every week. That's at least something to hang onto in a season that hasn’t offered much else.