Let’s get this one thing clear on the New York Jets before we go any further. The defense is under the watch of head coach Robert Saleh.
Yes, Jeff Ulbrich is the defensive coordinator, but Saleh’s background is defense — it’s the bread and butter which got him his first NFL head coaching job.
Saleh is the bottom line for the entire team. On gameday, the buck stops with him. When he steps in front of the media for postgame, however, ears perk up for his thoughts on the defense.
And Week 10 was no different, with Saleh and the Jets reeling from another blowout loss.
Their 45-17 defeat to the Buffalo Bills, Sunday at MetLife Stadium, dropped their season record to 2-7. Furthermore, it left plenty for Saleh to answer to after the game.
And, for the Jets, just how bad is it?
When asked what exactly went wrong with starting quarterback Mike White — Saleh was correct to credit Buffalo’s top-ranked defense for stifling White.
And, oh yes, that’s right, there was the part where Saleh had to answer for why offensive coordinator Mike LeFleur went pass-heavy in the first half. The Jets failed to establish any running game and White threw four interceptions. Saleh’s response was he’ll need to talk with his staff about that, on Monday.
Well, that’s a red flag — as it leaves room to perceive Saleh’s not as aware of the offensive game plan as some would hope.
But the nitty gritty was when it came time to answer for what went wrong, again, with the defense.
The unit has allowed 175 points in their four games since the bye week. Longtime Jets beat reporter Rich Cimini of ESPN.com notes it’s the second-most allowed by any team over a four-game span since the NFL/AFL merger.
That’s alarmingly bad — first-year NFL head coach or not.
Saleh said the team’s defensive product “clearly hasn’t been good enough” and that’s an understatement.
White was making his third career start as an NFL quarterback. A four-interception game against the league’s top-ranked defense, while a long day at the office, isn’t surprising.
Moreover, the injury report for the Jets, especially on defense, has resembled a resolving door all season.
And yes, this is the youngest roster in the league. They’re learning on the fly.
These are the facts of the case, and they’re undisputed.
However, none of the aforementioned is an excuse for allowing 45 points or more in three of their last four games.
That’s just as much on coaching as it is the players.
Saleh’s background is defense. The fact of the matter is when it comes down to it, there’s no defense for the product he’s currently coaching. It’s on his watch.
It has to change, sooner than later.
Image: Dustin Satloff/Getty Images
