when the party doesn’t crash… again

Just on Tuesday, the Jets announced that owner Woody Johnson had decided to fire head coach Robert Saleh after three and a half years with the organization. This news caused a bombshell in the NFL universe.

Certainly, with a record of two wins and three losses, it was clear that the team was not performing at the level they wanted, but there was still plenty of time for Saleh to turn things around with 11 games on the table . Saleh had just told the media on Monday that no one was panicking within the group. Just 24 hours later, he found himself unemployed.

There’s also the way the Jets went about it. Saleh was ushered in by a security guard outside the club’s facilities, without being given a chance to speak to his team.

During his three and a half years as the head coach of the Jets, Robert Saleh counted on Zach Wilson (33 games), Mike White (six games), Aaron Rodgers (six games), Joe Flacco (five games), Trevor Siemian (three games). games) and Tim Boyle (two games) as starters at quarterback. (David Richard/The Associated Press Archives)

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is now in charge of this team but there is only a slight advantage over the Buffalo Bills and first place in the America East division.

Did Rodgers get Saleh’s head?

The big question on everyone’s mind when the news broke was whether Aaron Rodgers got veteran quarterback Saleh’s head.

In Thursday night’s game against the New England Patriots three weeks ago, a series involving the two men attracted attention. A few minutes after the touchdown was scored by Rodgers and his teammates, Saleh appeared to want to hug Rodgers to congratulate him, but the quarterback pushed him away, which ‘ deal with some criticism in the process.

This interaction caused a great stir, but those involved swept it under the rug, downplaying its importance.

In fact, in recent days, many have accused Rodgers of doing everything to achieve this result. In light of these mounting allegations, the future Football Hall of Famer did not hesitate to address the situation during his weekly appearances on celebrity host Pat McAfee’s show.

“I’m not going to waste more than one sentence in response to that. I do not like these accusations, because they are clearly false. It’s interesting how much power people think I have when I don’t. I love Robert.”

Rodgers, however, confirmed that he had spoken with owner Johnson throughout the day Monday, considering the conversation brief and polite because he wanted to know how he was doing. done after being hit in the ankle. He then told her that he was disappointed with the work he had done and that he was going to turn things around.

It does not click for the attack

As much as Rodgers said he liked Saleh, he never gave the impression that he was happy with the way things were going. Saleh said no one was panicking, but he advised the staff before he fired that offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett was being fired and that Todd Downing, who focused on the game that was ‘ pass, instead of at the helm.

With Rodgers finally recovering from his Achilles tendon, New York’s offense was expected to be devastating in 2024. To everyone’s surprise, it’s also worse than it was with the unloved Zach Wilson.

In fact, after five games this season, Rodgers has 865 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. In 2023, in his first five starts, Wilson had 1,148 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions.

Let us not be afraid of words, considering all the investment that has been made to surround Rodgers properly so that he can shine, these results, so far, are a complete failure.

Overall, New York ranks 25th in the NFL in points average with 18.6. That puts them in the same league as the Pittsburgh Steelers and their neighbors, the New York Giants.

Intended to be a pillar of New York’s attack, the carrier Breece Hall is not performing at the desired level, which is significantly slowing down the Jets. Youngster Braelon Allen may be asked to play a bigger role if Hall continues to struggle. (Matt Ludtke/The Associated Press Archives)

Of course, there are eyes on Rodgers, but we also have to criticize the use of the ground game. With 80.4 yards per game, the Jets ground attack ranks 32nd and last in the NFL in this regard. Star running back Breece Hall isn’t exactly up to speed right now and he definitely needs to step up his game, especially behind what is considered a better offensive line.

Fortunately for the Jets, their defensive unit, as of recent campaigns, remains one of the best in the NFL. New York is 2nd for lowest average yards allowed to the opponent (255.8), 2nd against the pass (136.6) and 7th for average points allowed (17). Only against the ground game was she able to do a bit better (14th with 119 yards per game).

If Rodgers and his offense can finally take flight, the Jets will clearly be dangerous… Can they make it in the heart of this upset?