Ahead of the New York Jets’ matchup with the Buffalo Bills, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich addressed the media to detail his first decisions for the team.
Ulbrich started with injury updates heading into Week 6. Cornerback Michael Carter II will not practice with a hamstring injury, while Tyron Smith will not practice with his usual rest day. Aaron Rodgers will be limited with his ankle injury, Tyler Conklin will be limited with a hip injury, and C.J. Mosley will be limited with his toe injury.
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Additionally, the team is on track to get right tackle Morgan Moses back into the lineup on Monday night, which Ulbrich expressed his excitement about. Defensive tackle Leki Fotu is working through his hamstring injury, and the team is “hopeful” he can make it back for the Week 6 matchup.
Injury update:
-Tyron vet rest day
-MCII dealing with hamstring, won’t practice
-Rodgers limited, Conklin limited, Mosley limited.
-Morgan Moses on track to play Monday Night
-Fotu working through hamstring, “hopeful” to play.— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) October 10, 2024
In the news that everyone was waiting for, Ulbrich named Todd Downing the Jets’ new offensive play caller. Downing will have full say over the game plan and play calling. Ulbrich said the move is to get a “different take” on things and a “fresh approach” on offense. Additionally, Ulbrich said he would retain play-calling duties on defense.
Ulbrich will also retain defensive play-calling duties on the defensive side of the ball.
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) October 10, 2024
Regarding Aaron Rodgers’s reaction to the move, Ulbrich said that the quarterback “understood” the decision and supported the change. Ulbrich added that he spoke to multiple players before making the change.
Regarding involvement on the offensive side of the ball, Ulbrich said he wants to “infuse” his personality into that side of the ball.
“I definitely want to have an influence there. I’m going to really look hard this week at how I can find those places to infuse my personality into that side of the ball. From a schematic standpoint, I do not know if there will be a ton of input. But in terms of style of play, absolutely.”
The interim head coach also said that he wants the offense to “play assertive” and “on their own terms.”
Regarding the offense, Ulbrich says they have to be “assertive” and “play on their own terms.” Said earlier in the press conference that he is aiming to put his own influence on the offense in some capacity. #Jets
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) October 10, 2024
From an overall team perspective, Ulbrich mentioned that the standard does not change.
“There’s an unwavering standard. You are either meeting it, or you are not. It’s not an emotional thing, and everyone will be held to that standard.”
He also mentioned, in terms of urgency, that everything the team does will help them start faster.
“We need to start doing everything with a different sense of urgency, a heightened sense of urgency. And then it just becomes who you are.”
The former defensive coordinator said Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn and Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur gave Ulbrich tips and advice once he was appointed head coach.
“I’m very fortunate to have a lot of current head coaches that have a deep understanding of what this position feels like, looks like, and what is necessary to be successful in it.”
Regarding how he will approach the position, Ulbrich said he is focused on “just being me” and keeping it simple.
“I approach every day the same way, regardless of circumstances. That is my truth. The same human being every single day. Commit to a process and let that take care of the results.”
Ulbrich has already made his mark on the team in a short time since taking over. Between Downing’s elevation and his mentality, the Jets could look very different stylistically.
The first opportunity to see the Ulbrich-led Jets will be this Monday against the Buffalo Bills. If the interim head coach can follow through on his press conferences, the Jets could have a great shot to get a victory.
