Despite a poor performance against the Eagles, Adam Gase said he still believes in Taylor Bertolet.
The kicker missed three field goals in New York’s preseason finale on Thursday, two of which were from 50+ yards out. The other was from 49 yards away. Bertolet made field goals from 23 and 39 yards, but that wasn’t enough to keep his inconsistency from being a postgame talking point.
Gase, however, was quick to point out that the Jets had some other issues on those missed kicks besides Bertolet.
“Two of those, I saw guys running out late,” Gase said. “You can’t do that to a kicker.”
Gase was then asked if he’d be okay with Bertolet being the Jets kicker for Week 1. With few other options for answers, the head coach said, “Yep.”
Bertolet has had an up and down training camp and preseason. In the second preseason game, Bertolet missed multiple extra points. But he followed it up with a strong performance against the Saints, making all of his field goals and extra points. Then, against the Eagles, he missed the three field goals.
Since Bertolet has been back, he’s had the opportunity to secure the kicking job. The Jets haven’t brought in any other kicker to compete with him throughout the preseason, but he hasn’t capitalized on his opportunity.
Gase may have said he was confident in his kicker, but it would be surprising if Joe Douglas doesn’t find a new one between now and Week 1. Bertolet had a golden opportunity, but the Jets would be kidding themselves if they didn’t search for a replacement.
