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Immediately, we’ll cowl Drake Maye’s debut this Sunday in opposition to Houston, however let’s begin with the newest from New York:
Robert Saleh Fired: No gasoline left in Gotham
“Get used to the mantra all gasoline, no break,” mentioned Robert Saleh at his introductory press convention 4 years in the past.
Regardless of a infamous historical past of offensive struggles — the Jets had completed top-10 in scoring simply as soon as within the 20 years prior — they had been hiring one other former defensive coach.
Jets Head Coaches: 2000-2024
| Identify | 12 months | Prior Focus | Jets Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Protection | 56.3 | |
| 2001 | Protection | 48.8 | |
| 2006 | Protection | 47.9 | |
| 2009 | Protection | 47.9 | |
| 2015 | Protection | 37.5 | |
| 2019 | Offense | 28.1 | |
| 2021 | Protection | 35.7 |
The franchise additionally made it clear: They didn’t need a defensive-minded head coach. A shocking twist, provided that Saleh’s 18 years of teaching consisted of zero offensive expertise. The previous San Fran DC was to develop into a CEO kind, answerable for all the group — assume Eagles HC Nick Sirianni — and shortly employed OC Mike LeFleur and DC Jeff Ulbrich to assist.
Saleh wasn’t as much as the duty. Particularly, he couldn’t remedy the offense. Shocker. Ulbrich’s protection thrived, however LeFleur — presently the Rams OC — was gone in 2023 after two years of Zach Wilson-induced failure. Saleh’s subsequent rent can be crucial, as demonstrated elsewhere by Dan Campbell’s large success with OC Ben Johnson or Dan Quinn’s guess on Kliff Kingsbury in Washington.
As you understand, this Jets offense stays the issue. They rank twenty seventh in whole yards per sport and final in speeding. Their offensive line has been terrible in move safety the previous two weeks, and their lack of play motion (second-lowest mark) doesn’t assist with any of the above.
Ted Nguyen’s movie evaluate exhibits an offense betting every thing on Rodgers, the 41-year-old quarterback who had three expensive interceptions in a 23-17 sport they practically gained in opposition to the 5-0 Vikings.
Nonetheless, Saleh was the scapegoat answerable for the offensive failures. He refused to carry Hackett (and Rodgers) to the requirements he’d preached on Day 1, evidenced by Dianna and Zack Rosenblatt’s January bombshell on why “It’s simply such a f—ing mess” in New York. A number of coaches and gamers described Hackett as missing consideration to element and unable to make in-game changes.
It’s additionally doable Saleh was dropping the locker room. Professional Bowl linebacker Quincy Williams shared his frustration after Sunday’s loss: “I’m gonna be trustworthy. Individuals get bored with listening to the identical s—,” he advised SNY. “Individuals gotta take accountability from the highest to the underside.”
If it’s not working, don’t repair it
After firing Saleh, the Jets promoted … one other defensive coach.Putting in Ulbrich, a participant favourite thought-about one of many NFL’s finest defensive coordinators, may very properly present the management this group wants. Zack Rosenblatt wrote a wonderful function on why Ulbrich is head-coach materials.
As for the struggling offense? No main change.
It’s my understanding that the Jets don’t plan on firing OC Nathaniel Hackett.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 8, 2024
What’s subsequent?
Conserving Hackett appeases Rodgers, as would buying Davante Adams (newest right here). However as a group desperate to win now, New York must hope this season is an outlier. Since 2018, 14 groups have modified their coaches midseason — solely the 2021 Raiders made the playoffs, going 7-5 after Jon Gruden’s resignation.
Then once more, in Peyton Manning’s first yr post-injury, he managed the offense for a Denver group that likewise started 2-3. After that mediocre begin, the 2012 Broncos went on an 11-game win streak and made the playoffs. Trying on the Jets’ upcoming schedule, there’s room for optimism:
However no matter their opponents, Saleh’s firing places a newfound strain on this offense to supply for the primary time in a long time.
There’s no cause to count on any enchancment.Possibly subsequent time they’ll give attention to pairing an modern offensive coordinator with a reliable quarterback. As a result of after 4 years of “all gasoline,” making use of brakes on the standard Jets strategy makes all of the sense on the earth.
Dianna has extra:
What Dianna’s Listening to: Contained in the Jets choice
That Saleh can be fired wasn’t stunning. The shocking half was the truth that he was fired eight days into October, and 6 days earlier than the Jets host the Payments to find out first place within the AFC East. I used to be shocked. Saleh was shocked. I’m guessing you had been shocked too.
Clearly, proprietor Woody Johnson wished to do that. He didn’t seek the advice of with anybody else within the entrance workplace earlier than he made the choice — that features GM Joe Douglas.
As for Aaron Rodgers: He mentioned publicly final week that he and Saleh have relationship they usually’re pals. However, clearly, he didn’t love Saleh’s response to the quarterback’s Egypt journey in June, and he didn’t love the general public conversations about “cadence” after the Broncos loss two weeks in the past. Ulbrich is somebody Rodgers respects. And Hackett, Rodgers’ shut pal, just isn’t going wherever. So the tip result’s a training workers that can primarily let the quarterback be the quarterback.
For extra, learn our full report on why Johnson made the transfer now.
Again to you, Jacob.
Maye-Day: Patriots change to Drake Maye
Persistence is a advantage, one I used to be impressed to see in New England when it got here to first-rounder Drake Maye’s profession. Particularly after the sink-or-swim strategy failed Bryce Younger miserably, Jerod Mayo’s willingness to sacrifice the current for a brighter future was commendable.
Nothing has improved in New England since they determined to sit down Maye. Their offensive line, already permitting the very best strain charge within the NFL, misplaced C David Andrews for the season. Their receivers are terrible. And working again Rhamondre Stevenson, their highest-paid offensive weapon, was benched for fumbling points. At 1-4, they’re projected to carry the No. 2 decide in subsequent yr’s draft.
Irrespective of, as Maye will make his NFL debut in opposition to the Texans this week.It reeks of desperation. This isn’t a playoff group, so the try to offer a spark of hope comes at probably important price to the franchise’s most essential asset.
The error is compounded by beginning Maye in opposition to one of many league’s finest pass-rush models. Houston’s 50 % pass-block win charge ranks fourth within the NFL.
In case you needed to make a transfer to keep away from dropping the locker room, as Jacoby Brissett has regarded poor since Week 1, why not give Maye an opportunity in opposition to the depleted Dolphins final week? Miami’s middling protection would’ve offered a friendlier debut.
As a substitute, it’ll happen throughout from Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson, who lead a protection that stymied MVP candidate Josh Allen (9 of 30 completions for 131 yards). Welcome to the NFL, Drake. Goodbye, persistence.
For extra, Chad Graff explored the professionals and cons of the choice.
Across the NFL
Saints QB Derek Carr will miss a number of video games with an indirect damage. Rookie Spencer Rattler or backup Jake Haener (who completed Monday’s sport 2-7 for 17 yards) may begin in his place.
Raiders QBs Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell will compete for the beginning position this week in opposition to the Steelers. As if it issues …
Raiders DT Christian Wilkins is out indefinitely after present process foot surgical procedure. He’s on the IR, and the timing couldn’t be worse for the 2-3 Raiders.
After firing Saleh, Jets proprietor Woody Johnson publicly pleaded for DE Haason Reddick to finish his holdout and “come to the New York Jets.” For some cause, I’m skeptical.
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(Picture:
Al Bello / Getty Pictures)
