Robert Saleh showed some frustration after New York Jets’ loss
Running out of answers for the New York Jets’ struggles, head coach Robert Saleh had an interesting exchange with the media during Thursday night’s post-game press conference.
Asked why he does not look particularly angry despite the team’s struggles, Saleh asked the reporter, “Do you want me to throw the podium on the floor?”
#Jets HC Robert Saleh on not looking particularly angry with how things are going with the team:
“Do you want me to throw the podium on the floor?”
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 29, 2023
During a 37-20 loss in Cleveland, the Jets had plenty of issues that can be chalked up to the coaching staff. Whether it was a lack of discipline leading to penalties, a poor first-half game plan on defense, or questionable decisions to punt, it seemed like the Jets were a mess in every facet.
Saleh spoke after the game about what happened in a first half that saw Joe Flacco and the Browns relentlessly move the ball against the Jets’ defense.
“There was a series of – I wouldn’t say miscommunications – just slightly off regarding technique. Like I said, it just wasn’t good enough all the way across the board. I’m looking inward on myself in terms of what we can do better on these short-week games,” said Saleh.
Additionally, Saleh said, “I have to figure it out” when asked about correcting technique, fundamental, and penalty issues with the Jets.
For a team that, according to owner Woody Johnson, has no one in danger of being fired, the latest performances have only gone to show that the opposite result should have happened.
In their past three games, the Jets got shut out by the rival Miami Dolphins, narrowly beat the Commanders in a game where they blew a 20-point lead, and got blown out by a playoff contender in the Browns.
It is fair to argue that the injuries to the team, specifically quarterback Aaron Rodgers, have limited their winning potential in 2023.
However, injuries are no excuse for a lack of discipline, specifically on offense. They are not a sound rationale for a team to look unprepared coming out of the gates. They are not an excuse for non-aggressive coaching or having a lack of playmakers and playable depth to work with.
Aaron Rodgers is a massive addition to the Jets, both on and off the field. It is not crazy to think that he can put the organization in a position to see success.
A quarterback is not fixing all of the Jets’ problems, though. Until the coaching staff and front office show signs of improvement and address key issues, it is unrealistic to think that the Jets will immediately vault into true contender status.
This was a team thought to be a quarterback away, but with each passing week, it is clear that there is way more work to be done for the Jets.
