The New York Jets shocked the football world on Tuesday when they decided to part ways with head coach Robert Saleh following a lackluster 2-3 start to the season. The decision came after back-to-back disappointing performances against the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings, where the team looked completely out of sync.
Saleh’s overall record of 20-36 during his tenure with the Jets was not exactly impressive, so perhaps his firing was not entirely unexpected. However, the timing of the move raised some eyebrows, especially considering the team’s struggles seemed to stem from deeper issues.
While Saleh may have not been blameless for the team’s current predicament, many believe that the defense was not the main problem. In fact, under Saleh’s guidance, the Jets defense has been one of the best in the NFL, ranking first in points per drive, first in EPA per play, and third in success rate.
On the other hand, the offense has been a different story. Despite multiple coaching changes, quarterback switches, and different offensive coordinators, the Jets offense has been consistently abysmal. Even the highly anticipated arrival of Zach Wilson as the No. 2 overall pick did not bring the expected improvement.
General manager Joe Douglas has also come under scrutiny for his decisions, especially his choice to hire Adam Gase in 2019. Gase’s unsuccessful track record with the Miami Dolphins did not translate well to the Jets, and the team continued to struggle under his leadership.
Douglas then decided to turn to Aaron Rodgers, signing players like Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb to surround the star quarterback. However, Rodgers’ injury early in the season left the offense in disarray, with Wilson failing to make a significant impact despite the high expectations.
The offensive line, skill positions, and overall roster have all been major concerns for the Jets, and the team’s inability to address these issues has led to their ongoing struggles. While some blame falls on Saleh for the team’s lackluster performance, it’s clear that the problems run much deeper than just the coaching staff.
As the Jets look to move forward from Saleh’s departure, they will have to address their roster deficiencies and find a long-term solution at the quarterback position if they hope to turn things around. The road ahead may be tough, but the Jets are determined to make the necessary changes to get back on track.
