Sean Payton’s been making a lot of headlines this week after an exclusive interview with USA TODAY Sports.
Not only did the Denver Broncos coach criticize the NFL’s gambling policy, but he also told all about Denver’s issues from 2022, including ripping former head coach Nathaniel Hackett. In the process, Payton said Hackett’s New York Jets are essentially all hype and an offseason champion focusing on the wrong things — like Hard Knocks — that ultimately won’t win anything of substance.
New York head coach Robert Saleh was asked about Payton’s Jets critique after practice on Thursday. His comeback, while admirable for his team, was pretty corny.
#Jets HC Robert Saleh took the high road when asked about Sean Payton's comments:
"If you ain't got no haters, you ain't popping. So hate away. Obviously we’re doing something right if you’ve gotta talk about us when we don’t play you until Week 5."
pic.twitter.com/xZazBAlhwP https://t.co/AS5m3UZyBu
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 27, 2023
I’m fairly certain the Jets have actually always had “haters,” and I fail to see how this refutes any justifiable criticism of the dumpster fire Hackett presided over in Denver. That Broncos offense was historically bad, not just inept.
For now, on paper, the Jets are just that — offseason champions. They might have Aaron Rodgers in the fold, but they have 39-year-old Aaron Rodgers, a far cry from the prime of a future First-Ballot Hall of Famer. And there’s no guarantee Rodgers even plays well throughout an entire 17-game season. He does not necessarily fix all of the Jets’ problems, even if they think he does. Sure, Hackett might have had success with Rodgers during their mutual time in Green Bay, but that doesn’t mean it transfers over to New York.
Saleh did right by his offensive coordinator and team defending them. But, for now, he has no legs to stand on in regard to what Payton said.
Oh, by the way: Saleh’s Jets meet up with Payton’s Broncos in Denver in Week 5 of the regular season. Stay tuned for more of the NFL’s weirdest growing feud.
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