After three games of having Chad Morton exclusively handle punt returns, Jet coaches hinted yesterday that Santana Moss may share those duties, perhaps as soon as tomorrow against the Browns.
The 25-year-old Morton has done nothing wrong. When given the opportunity, Morton excels returning punts and kicks.
His 28.6-yard kickoff return average is second- best in the AFC and third in the NFL. His four punt returns aren’t enough to be listed with the league leaders, but his 12.8-yard average would be near the top; the NFL’s leader is Seattle’s Bobby Engram at 15.8.
Herman Edwards and special teams’ coach Mike Westhoff don’t mind Morton handling both chores.
However, Westhoff said Morton is best suited for kickoffs because although Morton is plenty quick, he doesn’t have that “instant” quickness best suited for punt returning. Moss isn’t built as thickly as Morton, which gives Moss the potential to be more elusive. Moss has returned three punts at a 9.3-yard average.
“I’m sure we’ll see Santana get back there,” Westhoff said.
Edwards added, “I know when [I’ll make a change], but I can’t tell you.”
The problem for either Morton or Moss is opportunity. A telling stat in the Jets’ 2-4 start is the number of punt returns. They have seven compared to their opponents’ 14.
“Our problem is from Buffalo [the season opener] to right now, we haven’t had a whole lot of punts,” Edwards said. “We don’t stop anybody, and when we do they move the ball down the field and they don’t have to punt. You usually like to see people punt at least six times a game. Last game was a little different because we got four turnovers.”
Earlier in the season, Morton felt some disappointment when he wasn’t assigned to punt returns. He made an impact by saving the Jets in Buffalo by returning two kickoffs for touchdowns.
The two scores changed Morton’s life around here as people recognized the face under the helmet.
“I got free stuff,” Morton said. “People being nicer and hooking me up with stuff.”
Morton hesitated to reveal what he received. When pressed, he said he could go to the top of waiting lists at busy restaurants.
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S Jon McGraw (shoulder) was downgraded from probable to questionable. . . . Edwards said he hopes to get QB Vinny Testaverde some action at some point so Testaverde can reach 40,000 career passing yards. Testaverde needs 456 more yards.