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Two weeks ago, the New York Jets watched Cincinnati kicker Shayne Graham miss two field goals en route to a 24-14 Jets victory. Last week, the Jets watched Chargers All-Pro kicker Nate Kaeding miss three crucial field goals en route to a 17-14 Jets victory.Coincidentally, the Jets were harmed -- not helped -- by missed field goals in the AFC championship. Jay Feely had been kicking well, too. He hadn't missed a field goal in more than a month. Sunday, Feely made up for lost time by missing two kicks. He hooked a 44-yarder wide right on the Jets' first offensive possession and missed badly on a 52-yarder on their first second-half possession.
Now, the Jets lost 30-17, so the two kicks appear they wouldn't have done anything more than cover the spread. Looking deeper, though, the kicks could have made a lot bigger difference.
Had Feely converted both kicks, they would have held a 23-13 lead after one possession in the second half -- instead of their precarious 17-13 advantage with the Colts taking over the ball at their own 43. Even hitting one of the two misses would have made a difference in terms of momentum, field position and team morale.
Let's not put all the blame on Feely. The closest he got all day -- other than his two extra points -- was 44 yards. Had the Jets been able to get him a few yards closer on those two particular drives, it's entirely possible he converts his kicks and the complexion of the entire game is changed. Not only that, Jets head coach Rex Ryan wasn't happy with the snap or hold on the 52-yard attempt.
"We feel good about Jay. Especially here, kicking indoors, the conditions aren't a factor," Ryan said in defense of his kicker. "I think, if our operation (the snap and hold) is sound, Jay's going to make that kick."
As always, football is a game of inches. Those inches went in favor of the Jets in the first two rounds of the playoffs, and Sunday they didn't.
FanHouse's Dan Graziano also contributed to this report.
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