New York Jets running back and kick returner Kene Nwangwu has been named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after his impactful Week 10 performance in New York’s 27-20 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Nwangwu’s performance included a 99-yard kick return touchdown in the first quarter to give the Jets their first points of the day.
“Kene Nwangwu was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Well deserved. He’s one of the best returners I’ve ever watched — hard not to wonder how much of a difference he would’ve made in those close games if he wasn’t banged up earlier this season,” wrote Zach Rosenblatt of The Athletic.
Getting to the end zone on a kick return isn’t anything new for Nwangwu. Since joining the league in 2021, Nwangwu has five kick-return touchdowns.
“It’s an exciting feeling when you can just make plays for your team. I think that’s just the mentality for any of us back there when the ball is in our hands. We are just trying to make plays for our team hoping that our play can help us win games,” said Nwangwu following the win.
Jets’ Special Teams Stars Discuss Success
The Jets did not only score on special teams with Nwangwu’s 99-yard kick-return touchdown. Isaiah Williams had a 74-yard punt-return touchdown on the next Jets possession, giving the Jets back to back touchdowns on special teams.
“We can win the game on special teams. We don’t just want to be steady. We don’t just want to be here so we don’t lose. Let’s win the game on teams,” said Nwangwu after Sunday’s game.
“It was a lot of emotions with that being my first return touchdown in my life,” said Williams after the game.
“Kick return is so unique. You’ve got 10 guys blocking. There’s no glory for one of them if I score a touchdown, but it’s a very selfless team and I think that’s why we’re finding a lot of success,” said Nwangwu following Sunday’s win.
Jets Won With The Odds Against Them
Even with the Jets winning on Sunday, the offense did not have a strong day statistically, only putting up a total of 169 yards.
“How unlikely was Jets 27, Browns 20? Since 1950, teams had been 225-0 when holding opponents to 175 or fewer yards and not turning the ball over. The Browns were the first team to lose in that span, per ESPN Research,” wrote Rich Cimini of ESPN.
The low amount of yards on offense might have been due to the very limited passing game against the Browns. Justin Fields was 6/11 on passing attempts and threw for a total of 54 yards.
Following the win, head coach Aaron Glenn said, “When you get two returns like that on special teams, the offense doesn’t have a good amount of plays, especially in the passing game. He only threw 11 passes, I think he was 6-of-11.”
Even with the odds against them, the Jets still found a way to win thanks to special teams. On Sunday, after the win, Glenn said, “Our special teams really gave us a spark today, and that’s what we need.”
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