New York Jets owner Woody Johnson shocked NFL fans when deciding to fire head coach Robert Saleh after just five games of the new season, but the shake-up was exactly what they needed.
Ever since the Jets traded for four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2023, the fans expected a new ruthless offense to match one of the best defenses in the league. On “Monday Night Football” against the Buffalo Bills they finally got that, but it still wasn’t enough as the Jets lost 23-20.
Still, from the first drive the Jets were locked in as Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Allen Lazard were targeted by Rodgers before settling for a field goal. The Bills responded after rookie Ray Davis rushed for a combined 48 yards before quarterback Josh Allen rushed into the end zone from the one-yard line.
Another surging drive from the Jets resulted in a Wilson touchdown following a five-yard completion from Rodgers, but the Bills quickly took a 10-point lead after Allen found Mack Hollins and Dawson Knox in the end zone. At a stage of the game where the Jets may have crumbled previously, they produced the highlight of the season.
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With seconds remaining of the half Rodgers rolled back the years with a stunning 52-yard Hail Mary to Lazard, who out-jumped Bills defensive pairing Taylor Repp and Taron Johnson to haul in the ball. Unfortunately, the second half didn’t match the same momentum, and a Tyler Bass field goal ended up being the difference for the Bills.
But the constant penalties in the second half killed the flow as there were over 20 in the game, 11 on the Jets, and the majority of them were soft calls. A late Rodgers interception ended the game, but there were still positives to take for New York.
It was a brilliant response by the Jets, who just six days ago lost their head coach after Saleh was pulled into Johnson’s office and told he would no longer be needed. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich stepped up as interim and spent this week getting his players fired up.
The decision came as a shock to the roster, who were “blindsided” by the decision. Rodgers then appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” the following day, asserting his love for Saleh and denying any accusations he was involved in the dismissal.
Ulbrich already had a good rapport with the Jets roster but felt obliged to make a major offensive change to benefit him moving forward. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett was stripped of his responsibility as play-caller, and Todd Downing was promoted.
“After a lot of time to think about it, and I did not make this decision easily, by any means, I’m going to make Todd Downing the play caller for the New York Jets moving forward,” Ulbrich said before Monday’s game. “This is more a byproduct of a different take on things.
Jeff Ulbrich passed his audition as interim New York Jets head coach. (
2024 Kevin Sabitus)
“Not saying it’s a better or worse take on things, by any means. But it’s just a different take on things. A fresh approach.” That fresh approach was appreciated by the Jets offense and the home fans after just two drives.
The energy inside MetLife Stadium lifted with each pass attempt, as the Jets appeared more confident and more direct. The fans were still pleased when Rodgers made an incomplete pass, as the overall approach was more positive than everything they saw last season.
There is still a long way to go this season, and there are no guarantees that the Jets will end their 14-year playoff drought. Either way, change was needed and they may be rewarded for the early decision.
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