The New York Jets rallied behind OC Nathaniel Hackett after beating the Denver Broncos
Nathaniel Hackett got the last laugh, and the New York Jets are continuing to show the support that they gave him throughout the week.
The game had heightened significance for New York due to Sean Payton’s inflammatory comments about Hackett and the Jets this offseason.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Jets made Hackett their fourth captain before the game. After the game, Robert Saleh gave the game ball to “Hack” to the cheers of Jets players.
How sweet is this?
After practice on Fridays, the #Jets always announce their fourth captain. This week, it was OC Nathaniel Hackett. When Coach Robert Saleh called it out, players went crazy.
And today, after beating his old team the #Broncos, Hackett got the game ball. 🏈 pic.twitter.com/JEQBB50V8e
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 9, 2023
NY Jets players comment
After their 31-21 victory, players continued to show their support and praise for Hackett. Quarterback Zach Wilson said that Hackett is an “unbelievable dude” and is happy the coordinator is with the team.
"He's an unbelievable dude. Amazing character. Sounds maybe a little selfish, but I'm glad he's here with us."
Zach Wilson talks about getting today's win for Nathaniel Hackett: pic.twitter.com/G6xAaQjGFL
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 8, 2023
Injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers simply posted “W.” with a hashtag of Hackett to show support for his close friend.
W. #hackett❤️ #
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) October 8, 2023
Breece Hall and C.J. Uzomah had some stronger words after the game for their opposition.
“We wanted to come in and get a win today for him and we did that. The better coach, the better team won,” said Hall.
Uzomah, after giving a pregame speech that said “f*** them” in reference to Sean Payton and the Broncos, had a chance to explain his comments.
“If somebody talks s-t about somebody on this team… we’re going to play for that person,” said Uzomah.
CJ Uzomah on his pregame speech where he said “fuck him” and “fuck them” about Sean Payton and the Broncos for the Nathaniel Hackett comments in July:
“If somebody talks shit about somebody on this team … we’re going to play for that person.” #Jets
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) October 9, 2023
"We wanted to come in and get a win today for him and we did that. The better coach, the better team won."
– Breece Hall on getting the win for Nathaniel Hackett pic.twitter.com/w22dHc5l1t
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 9, 2023
It was a great win for the Hackett and the Jets, who now sit at 2-3 heading into a tough home matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. The offensive coordinator has improved over the Jets’ first five games of the season, helping the Jets stay in games and compete with their opponents.
There are still plenty of adjustments to be made, namely regarding some personnel usage and red-zone play calling. But if today proved anything, it is that Hackett is an adequate play caller, and definitely was not the reason for all of the issues in Denver last season.
