Jet-Setting to Unemployment: The Curious Case of Robert Saleh
So, the Jets have gone and done it—fired head coach Robert Saleh after just three and a half seasons! And, judging by the reaction, not even the Kardashians could create a headline as explosive as this. Who knew the New York Jets could be more thrilling than watching paint dry? Well, at least they kept it interesting for a couple of hours!
Let’s face it: with a record of two wins and three losses, they were clearly floundering, but come on! Eleven games left on the schedule, and this guy couldn’t even pack his own box before getting escorted out like a naughty schoolboy? Sure, Saleh was telling everyone not to panic just the day before, but apparently, Woody Johnson, the owner, was more in panic mode than a cat at a dog show.
In a classic NFL twist, this wasn’t just a firing, it was a spectacle. Picture it: Robert Saleh, looking for his team, and a security guard is standing there like he’s guarding the crown jewels. “Sorry, coach, you can’t talk to them; you’re out. Here’s your pink slip and a 40% discount on Jets merch!” Ooof!
Now, let’s talk quarterbacks. Saleh’s time in office was like a game of musical chairs—33 different quarterback lineups in a mere 3.5 years! That’s almost a different guy every week! I mean, at this point, Saleh should’ve just appointed a housecat as quarterback; at least it might’ve added some unpredictability.
Did Aaron Rodgers Have a Hand in This?
Of course, the big question everyone is itching to ask: did Aaron Rodgers pull the strings to get Saleh sacked? It’s like a soap opera, but with more muscle and less emotional dialogue! There was that potentially awkward hug turned push during a game against the Patriots. What was it like? One minute they’re celebrating a touchdown, and the next, Rodgers is saying, “Thanks, but no thanks. Keep the chin up!” Talk about mixed signals!
Now, we all know Rodgers loves to keep the drama rolling. On his show with Pat McAfee—oh, the irony of that name!—he said he wouldn’t “spend more than one sentence” on the allegations that he was behind Saleh’s firing. My guess? The sentence probably translated roughly to, “Me? Nah, it was all Woody!” Hilarious! But he also made sure to drop that he gave Johnson a heartfelt call after his ankle injury like a knight in shining armor after a quest. Just don’t ask about his performance on the pitch—yikes!
Offense a Major Letdown
And now that Saleh’s gone, let’s place the spotlight on that high-flying offense that was supposed to explode with Rodgers back from injury. They say fortune favors the bold, but instead, the Jets appear to have swallowed a dud firework. After five games, Rodgers had worse stats than Zach Wilson—yes, Zach Wilson! The same Zach Wilson whose name makes quite a few fans cringe! Imagine saying “I told you so” to your friends who placed bets on the Jets this season.
The Jets sit at a dismal 25th in the NFL for points scored, alongside the Steelers and Giants. I mean, if you’re ranked that low, it might be time to consider changing your strategy—or perhaps even switching out the hot dogs at the concession stands for kale smoothies to improve circulation on the field!
Then we have running back Breece Hall, who’s performing like he’s running through quicksand. It’s not even a surprise that the ground game ranks 32nd in the league. At this juncture, even a tortoise could clock a better time and put more yards on the field.
But not all is gloom and doom! The Jets’ defense remains one of the best. They’re the kind of team you’d love to see at a bar brawl—downright amazing! They’re ranked 2nd in average yards allowed which does give fans something to cheer for, even if it feels like their offense is playing with one hand tied behind its back.
So there you have it. If Aaron Rodgers and his merry band of misfits can somehow whip that offense into shape, the Jets might just find a way back from the abyss of mediocrity. Or they can continue to delight us with their antics like a circus on the move. Either way, stay tuned folks! This saga is going to be more entertaining than a boxing match with the referee asleep at the wheel!
Just Tuesday, the Jets announced that owner Woody Johnson had made the decision to fire head coach Robert Saleh after three and a half years with the organization. This news had the effect of a bomb in the NFL universe.
Certainly, with a record of two wins and three losses, the team was clearly not performing at the desired level, but there was still plenty of time for Saleh to turn things around with 11 games on the schedule. Saleh had just told the press on Monday that no one was panicking within the organization. Just 24 hours later, he found himself unemployed.
There is also the way in which the Jets proceeded in this matter. Saleh was escorted by a security guard outside the club’s facilities, not having the chance to address his team.
It is now defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich who is in charge of this team which is however only a small gain from the Buffalo Bills and 1st place in the East division of the American.
Did Rodgers get Saleh’s head?
The big question everyone had when the news broke was whether veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers got Saleh’s head.
During the Thursday night game against the New England Patriots three weeks ago, a sequence involving the two men attracted attention. A few moments after a touchdown scored by Rodgers and his teammates, Saleh seemed to want to hug Rodgers to congratulate him, but the quarterback pushed him away, addressing him some reproaches in the process.
This interaction caused quite a stir, but those involved swept it under the rug, downplaying its significance.
Obviously, in the last days, many have accused Rodgers of having engineered everything to achieve this result. In the wake of these accusations that were surging, the future member of the Football Hall of Fame did not hesitate to address the situation during his weekly appearance on popular host Pat McAfee’s show.
“I’m not going to spend more than one sentence in response to that. I don’t like these allegations, 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 to owner Johnson during the day on Monday, deeming the conversation short and polite given that he wanted to know how he was doing after being hit in the ankle. He then told her that he was disappointed with his performance and that he was going to turn things around.
“Woody Johnson called me on Monday night & we had a short conversation..
It was a genuine call & he just asked how I was doing..
We talked about the game & how disappointed I was in my performance..
I told him I was gonna play better & we’re gonna get this thing turned around”… pic.twitter.com/Srdn96yrHh
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 9, 2024
It doesn’t click for the attack
As much as Rodgers said he liked Saleh, he never once gave the impression that he was happy with the way things were going. Saleh said no one was panicking, but he did advise the staff before his firing that offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett was being demoted and that Todd Downing, who focused on the passing game, was replacing him at the helm.
With Rodgers finally recovering from his torn Achilles tendon, New York’s offense was expected to prove devastating in 2024. To everyone’s surprise, it’s also worse than it was with the unloved Zach Wilson.
Indeed, 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’s not be afraid of words, considering all the investments that have been made to properly surround Rodgers so that he is able to shine, these results are, so far, a real failure.
Overall, New York ranks 25th in the NFL in points scored average with 18.6. That puts them in the same bracket as the Pittsburgh Steelers and their neighbors, the New York Giants.
Obviously, eyes are on Rodgers, but we must also criticize the deployment 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 just isn’t up to it right now and he definitely needs to step up his game, especially behind what is considered an improved offensive line.
Luckily for the Jets, their defensive unit, like the most recent campaigns, remains one of the best in the NFL. New York ranks 2nd for the lowest average yards allowed to the opponent (255.8), 2nd against the pass (136.6) and 7th for points allowed on average (17). It is only against the ground game that she could do a little better (14th with 119 yards per game).
If Rodgers and his offense can finally take flight, it’s clear that the Jets will be dangerous… Can they do it in the heart of this turmoil?
