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Today, we’ll cover Drake Maye’s debut this Sunday against Houston, but let’s start with the latest from New York:
Robert Saleh Fired: No gas left in Gotham
“Get used to the mantra all gas, no break,” said Robert Saleh at his introductory press conference four years ago.
Despite a notorious history of offensive struggles — the Jets had finished top-10 in scoring just once in the 20 years prior — they were hiring another former defensive coach.
| Name | Year | Prior Focus | Jets Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2000
|
Defense
|
56.3
|
|
 Herm Edwards |
2001
|
Defense
|
48.8
|
|
2006
|
Defense
|
47.9
|
|
|
2009
|
Defense
|
47.9
|
|
|
Todd Bowles |
2015
|
Defense
|
37.5
|
|
2019
|
Offense
|
28.1
|
|
 Robert Saleh |
2021
|
Defense
|
35.7
|
The franchise also made it clear: They didn’t want a defensive-minded head coach. A surprising twist, given that Saleh’s 18 years of coaching consisted of zero offensive experience. The former San Fran DC was to become a CEO type, responsible for the entire team — think Eagles HC Nick Sirianni — and quickly hired OC Mike LeFleur and DC Jeff Ulbrich to help.
Saleh wasn’t up to the task. Specifically, he couldn’t solve the offense. Shocker. Ulbrich’s defense thrived, but LeFleur — currently the Rams OC — was gone in 2023 after two years of Zach Wilson-induced failure. Saleh’s next hire would be critical, as demonstrated elsewhere by Dan Campbell’s tremendous success with OC Ben Johnson or Dan Quinn’s bet on Kliff Kingsbury in Washington.
As you know, this Jets offense remains the problem. They rank 27th in total yards per game and last in rushing. Their offensive line has been awful in pass protection the past two weeks, and their lack of play action (second-lowest mark) doesn’t help with any of the above.
Ted Nguyen’s film review shows an offense betting everything on Rodgers, the 41-year-old quarterback who had three costly interceptions in a 23-17 game they nearly won against the 5-0 Vikings.
Still, Saleh was the scapegoat responsible for the offensive failures. He refused to hold Hackett (and Rodgers) to the standards he’d preached on Day 1, evidenced by Dianna and Zack Rosenblatt’s January bombshell on why “It’s just such a f—ing mess” in New York. Multiple coaches and players described Hackett as lacking attention to detail and unable to make in-game adjustments.
It’s also possible Saleh was losing the locker room. Pro Bowl linebacker Quincy Williams shared his frustration after Sunday’s loss: “I’m gonna be honest. People get tired of hearing the same s—,” he told SNY. “People gotta take accountability from the top to the bottom.”
If it’s not working, don’t fix it
After firing Saleh, the Jets promoted … another defensive coach. Installing Ulbrich, a player favorite considered one of the NFL’s best defensive coordinators, could very well provide the leadership this team needs. Zack Rosenblatt wrote an excellent feature on why Ulbrich is head-coach material.
As for the struggling offense? No major change.
It’s my understanding that the Jets do not plan on firing OC Nathaniel Hackett.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 8, 2024
What’s next?
Keeping Hackett appeases Rodgers, as would acquiring Davante Adams (latest here). But as a team eager to win now, New York needs to hope this season is an outlier. Since 2018, 14 teams have changed their coaches midseason — only the 2021 Raiders made the playoffs, going 7-5 after Jon Gruden’s resignation.
Then again, in Peyton Manning’s first year post-injury, he controlled the offense for a Denver team that likewise began 2-3. After that mediocre start, the 2012 Broncos went on an 11-game win streak and made the playoffs. Looking at the Jets’ upcoming schedule, there’s room for optimism:
But regardless of their opponents, Saleh’s firing puts a newfound pressure on this offense to produce for the first time in decades.
There’s no reason to expect any improvement. Maybe next time they’ll focus on pairing an innovative offensive coordinator with a competent quarterback. Because after four years of “all gas,” applying brakes on the typical Jets approach makes all the sense in the world.
Dianna has more:
What Dianna’s Hearing: Inside the Jets decision
That Saleh would be fired wasn’t shocking. The surprising part was the fact that he was fired eight days into October, and six days before the Jets host the Bills to determine first place in the AFC East. I was surprised. Saleh was surprised. I’m guessing you were surprised too.
Obviously, owner Woody Johnson wanted to do this. He didn’t consult with anyone else in the front office before he made the decision — that includes GM Joe Douglas.
As for Aaron Rodgers: He said publicly last week that he and Saleh have a good relationship and they’re friends. But, obviously, he didn’t love Saleh’s reaction to the quarterback’s Egypt trip in June, and he didn’t love the public conversations about “cadence” after the Broncos loss two weeks ago. Ulbrich is someone Rodgers respects. And Hackett, Rodgers’ close friend, is not going anywhere. So the end result is a coaching staff that will essentially let the quarterback be the quarterback.
For more, read our full report on why Johnson made the move now.
Back to you, Jacob.
Maye-Day: Patriots switch to Drake Maye
Patience is a virtue, one I was impressed to see in New England when it came to first-rounder Drake Maye’s career. Especially after the sink-or-swim approach failed Bryce Young miserably, Jerod Mayo’s willingness to sacrifice the present for a brighter future was commendable.
Nothing has improved in New England since they decided to sit Maye. Their offensive line, already allowing the highest pressure rate in the NFL, lost C David Andrews for the season. Their receivers are awful. And running back Rhamondre Stevenson, their highest-paid offensive weapon, was benched for fumbling issues. At 1-4, they’re projected to hold the No. 2 pick in next year’s draft.
No matter, as Maye will make his NFL debut against the Texans this week. It reeks of desperation. This is not a playoff team, so the attempt to provide a spark of hope comes at potentially significant cost to the franchise’s most important asset.
The mistake is compounded by starting Maye against one of the league’s best pass-rush units. Houston’s 50 percent pass-block win rate ranks fourth in the NFL.
If you had to make a move to avoid losing the locker room, as Jacoby Brissett has looked poor since Week 1, why not give Maye a chance against the depleted Dolphins last week? Miami’s middling defense would’ve provided a friendlier debut.
Instead, it’ll occur across from Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson, who lead a defense that stymied MVP candidate Josh Allen (nine of 30 completions for 131 yards). Welcome to the NFL, Drake. Goodbye, patience.
For more, Chad Graff explored the pros and cons of the decision.
Around the NFL
Saints QB Derek Carr will miss multiple games with an oblique injury. Rookie Spencer Rattler or backup Jake Haener (who finished Monday’s game 2-7 for 17 yards) could start in his place.
Raiders QBs Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell will compete for the starting role this week against the Steelers. As if it matters …
Raiders DT Christian Wilkins is out indefinitely after undergoing foot surgery. He’s on the IR, and the timing couldn’t be worse for the 2-3 Raiders.
After firing Saleh, Jets owner Woody Johnson publicly pleaded for DE Haason Reddick to end his holdout and “come to the New York Jets.” For some reason, I’m skeptical.
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(Photo:
Al Bello / Getty Images)
