Aaron Glenn has a new hands-on approach at Jets practice

The New York Jets have a fumble problem. They’ve lost six fumbles through four games, two more than any other team.

Head coach Aaron Glenn is taking a hands-on approach to fix that.

After losing three fumbles in the team’s 27-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins last week, Glenn was seen punching at ballcarriers at practice, instilling the technique of fully protecting the ball at all times.

The video, which has gone viral because of the uniqueness of a head coach participating in such a drill, has stirred debate. Some fans and analysts applaud the head coach for his willingness to do whatever is possible to prepare his team.

Others, meanwhile, believe a head coach holding a boxing glove to try and instill a technique is just the latest odd thing the Jets are drawing eyeballs for.

As for Glenn, though, he believes there’s a method to the madness.

Aaron Glenn’s hands-on approach

One part of New York’s ball security drill featured assistant coaches trying to pry a ball loose from a Jets player leaping into a mat.

The idea is to simulate a situation that transpired in their latest loss.

On Monday night, while on the way to a likely opening drive score, running back Braelon Allen was stripped at the one-yard line as he tried to dive in for a score. Instead of recording a touchdown, the running back turned the ball over while trying too hard to make a play.

This week’s practices have focused on correcting that very mistake.

Speaking to reporters to explain his exploits on the practice field the previous day, Glenn made it clear exactly why he is always willing to help in drills that can better his team.

“I’ve always been a coach of action,” Glenn said. “I really want to get down and dirty and show players how you want to do things. I think it’s important for all of us. The players understand the emphasis of when we do that.”

New York is currently tied for fifth in the league with seven turnovers. Six of the seven have been fumbles.

When you don’t have any takeaways of your own on the defensive side, those fumbles will cost you close games on a weekly basis.

For an 0-4 team, being a -7 in the turnover differential category is an unlikely obstacle to overcome. It’s the team’s most glaring issue as the calendar flips to October.

While many coaches will try to drill the same kind of work into their players, Glenn has taken a different approach. Time will tell if his antics on the practice field can actually change the in-game results, because, so far, they haven’t.