Goodbye Robert Saleh, and hello to the man that should be credited with maintaining team chemistry in the New York Jets locker room.
Coach Jeff Ulbrich’s message to Jets fans: “I’m very excited about connecting with this locker room and elevating everybody.” pic.twitter.com/gVAjr88zwS
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 8, 2024
Interim HC Jeff Ulbrich has instilled a military mindset into a Jets’ defense that ranks No. 3 in opponent touchdowns allowed per game. The pre-game gatherings of defensive back Sauce Gardner and company stems from the ferocious leadership of Ulbrich who has helped ignite the potential of many, including D.J Reed and defensive end Will McDonald.
No. 4 ranked No. 1@D7_Reed 😈 pic.twitter.com/9rg57g9DuG
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 9, 2024
Unlike Saleh, Ulbrich won’t allow for offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to ruin momentum with mundane play-calling. Sure, Hackett may have survived this round of bingo, but with Ulbrich in charge Jets’ fans will see an increased amount of scrutiny applied to Hackett. Therein lies the underlying disdain of Saleh amongst Jets’ fans, his unwillingness to correct the offensive approach.
Aaron Rodgers knows he’s had enough of Nathaniel Hackett. #NFL pic.twitter.com/E1tg7gcxdG
— Larry Brown Jr. (@larrytouchdown) October 7, 2024
Ulbrich led as defensive coordinator with real humility, being sure to refrain from meddling with the offensive personnel and forbidding from stepping on Hackett’s toes. During Sunday’s loss, NFL Network reporters conveyed that there had been a quiet aura on the Jets’ sideline and this may suggest that a growing division may have been emerging.
Ultimately, Ulbrich is an upgrade and if he can help change the offensive strategy, the Jets still have a chance in 2024.