The New York Jets’ new offensive play caller addressed the media for the first time in his new role.
During Friday’s media availability, passing game coordinator Todd Downing spoke about being elevated to his new role.
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“Definitely a unique week. I’ve been in this profession for a long time, and you think you’ve gone through a lot of different experiences. This one was certainly a new one. I’ve been blown away, humbled, and impressed by how everyone has rallied together and the support that I’ve received. You take it one meeting, one day at a time, until you kind of find your groove. It’s been a process, a bit of a whirlwind, but impressed and humbled by everybody around me.”
Downing also spoke about his immediate reaction to the news, which did not become official until “fairly close to the same time” as the media.
“Nathaniel Hackett’s one of the greatest men I know and one of my closest, dearest friends, so getting an opportunity like this, which is an incredible opportunity, definitely came with a bitter-sweet taste. I love that man; I love his family. I think the world of him as a coach. I think even more of him as a person and a friend, so a lot of different emotions go through your brain. Obviously, it’s an unbelievable opportunity, and I’m excited to do my best to help.”
In terms of the on-field product, Downing spoke about whether he plans to use more motion and creativity going forward.
“I think each week, as you prepare for the defense you’re going against, you look for ways to create advantages. You look for ways to put stress on the defense; sometimes, that’ll involve motion, and sometimes, that’ll involve unique formations. I think it will be on a week-by-week basis, and as far as how much you can implement in the middle of the season, I think we have a really smart group of players. I think they can handle a lot, but that will be a case-by-case basis on how we think we can create advantages.”
Additionally, Downing spoke about approaching his relationship with Aaron Rodgers after the demotion of offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
“Well, fortunately, first of all, Nathaniel’s always been very collaborative in this process, and so I’ve been able to be in those meetings and listen to some of the nuances of how they discuss things. Second of all, I’ve been in every meeting that Aaron’s been in from a position standpoint and an offensive standpoint, so I think I’ve kind of learned a different language that way in some regards,” said Downing.
“Obviously things are going to come out of my mouth a little differently, so there is going to be a process of figuring out the best way to communicate with him. I want to be an open book to how I can best serve him and every one of our players.”
How Downing will implement his offense for the Jets remains to be seen. He could defer to Rodgers and run a very similar offense to what has been seen in weeks past. Or, Downing could put his own spin on the unit and improve the play-calling from where it was at under Hackett.
Regardless of the outcome, the Jets and their fans will get their first chance to see the new-look offense against the Bills on Monday night.
