The Jets always seem to be trying to replace Nick Folk, but the veteran kicker is arguably their MVP so far this season.
Folk was automatic yet again Sunday, converting all four of his field-goal tries and providing the difference in a 26-20 upset of the Saints at MetLife Stadium.
Not that the Jets should have been surprised. With his season-high four field goals (from 39, 21, 47 and 45 yards), Folk is now 23-for-23 and on track to become just the fifth kicker in NFL history with a minimum of 17 attempts to convert 100 percent in a single year.
Not bad for someone who has had to face offseason or training-camp competition to keep his job seemingly every year since signing with the Jets in 2010.
“You’re talking about ‘Folk Hero?’ ” Rex Ryan said with a grin after another clutch effort from the former Cowboys draft pick. “Guys, how about that year? Geez. It’s not that it’s a given, but it’s like, ‘Go ahead, Folk Hero — knock it through. Let’s go and then get that kickoff coverage ready.’ ”
Not only has Folk been a given this year, but he’s also on the cusp of owning the Jets’ record book. The four field goals Sunday left Folk just two shy of breaking Jay Feely’s franchise record of 24 consecutive successful attempts, set from 2008-09.
In truth, Folk only has been perfect technically this season. He missed in overtime against the Patriots three games ago, but was given a second chance — that he converted — thanks to a controversial pushing penalty on New England.
As a result, Folk hasn’t officially missed since going 3-for-4 against Buffalo in the Jets’ season finale last year.
There weren’t any do-or-die moments Sunday to resemble the ending of the Patriots game, but it wasn’t a cakewalk, either — not on a 48-degree day with MetLife Stadium’s typically swirling winds.
But Folk came through every time, enabling the Jets to pull off the upset despite an offense that sputtered a few too many times.
“I’ve been around some really good kickers in my day,” Ryan said. “But the year Nick is having is absolutely phenomenal.”
Maybe even phenomenal enough to avoid another fight for his job in training camp next year.