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Jets Rumors: Players' 'Prevailing Reaction' to Robert Saleh Firing Finally Revealed

Doric SamNovember 18, 2024

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 29: Head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets looks on against the Denver Broncos during the first half at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images

The New York Jets' disastrous season continued with a 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, and one expert pointed to the firing of former head coach Robert Saleh as the key reason for the team's continued struggles.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer revealed on Monday that Saleh's firing after a 2-3 start to the season wasn't well-received in the locker room, and the Jets' 3-8 record reflects that.

"The prevailing reaction to that from the locker room was, simply, How in the world does this help us now?" Breer reported. "Six weeks later, it looks like all those players were on to something—thinking the defense was the team's strength, and doubting that axing the architect while spreading a really good coordinator thin would help."

Since Jeff Ulbrich was promoted from defensive coordinator to interim head coach, New York's previous top-five defense has suffered immensely. The team has been out-schemed in all facets amid its 1-5 run with Ulbrich at the helm.

The Jets' offense hasn't been much better, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers has not performed at the level he did before a torn Achilles cost him virtually the entire 2023 season. Rodgers, who will turn 41 next month, doesn't have the mobility necessary to be effective behind New York's shaky offensive line, and he's struggled to connect consistently with playmakers Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall and Davante Adams.

The Jets have much to figure out during their upcoming bye week, as all signs point to their 13-year playoff drought continuing this season. New York will be back in action on Dec. 1 against the Seattle Seahawks.