The Jets want to better protect Aaron Rodgers from pass rushes

FLORHAM PARK, NJ – A look at what's happening around the New York Jets:

1. Blue Moon: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a sore ankle. And Achilles tendon. And knees. It wouldn't be a surprise if his right arm was a little sore too, considering how often he uses it.

The Jets need more balance in their offense to ease the pressure on Rodgers, and that's where new playcaller Todd Downing comes into play. His top priority is to revitalize the dormant rushing attack and keep Rodgers from having to fall behind absurdly often.

In last week's 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Rodgers fell behind on 57 of 71 plays, including 19 straight during a stretch in the fourth quarter. The one-dimensional attack earned offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett a spot on the bench as he was stripped of his game-calling duties after a week of coaching shuffles.

Exposing a 40-year-old quarterback to so much pass rush is not a wise strategy and contributed to one of the worst games of Rodgers' career (three interceptions). They expect a rebound against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night.

“A game like this only happens once. So if we play the odds, it won’t happen again,” wide receiver Allen Lazard said.

Rodgers has completed less than 60% of his passes in consecutive games, which is unusual. He has only played three games in a row once in his career (2015). That's probably because he's throwing too much – 96 attempts in the last two games.

“In his two-decade career, he has had very few blips on the radar,” Downing said. “I know Aaron himself has said the last few weeks haven't been up to his standard, but that's not necessarily a red flag.”

At the start of the season, the plan was to have running back Breece Hall drive the offense, but his production has disappeared as the offense has struggled to win at the point of attack. Hall is averaging 3.0 yards per rush, second-worst among players with at least 30 rushes.

A little patience on the playcaller's part, not to mention some creativity, would help matters.

Downing, the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator in 2021 and 2022, ran a run-heavy attack. In fact, they led the league in rushing attempts in 2021. It helped that they had Derrick Henry, one of the greatest power runners in the history of the sport.

Now Downing has a future Hall of Famer at quarterback, and he needs to lighten his load.

2. Revolving door: The Jets offensive coordinator position has to be one of the toughest and most unstable jobs in sports. They have had nine coordinators in the last 13 years, including Downing, who does not have a title but has the powers of coordinator.

As a reminder, the list since 2012: Tony Sparano, Marty Mornhinweg, Chan Gailey, John Morton, Jeremy Bates, Dowell Loggains, Mike LaFleur, Hacket and Downing.

3. What about Douglas? The firing of Robert Saleh and the immediate fallout dominated this week's news, but one storyline worth watching is the future of general manager Joe Douglas, whose six-year contract expires after the season.

He'll be a free agent – a sought-after player if the Jets can somehow turn their season around.

Douglas didn't play a major role in Saleh's firing, as owner Woody Johnson made it clear that “the decision was mine alone.” He informed Douglas before firing Saleh, but that was it.

“I have enough experience with these things,” Johnson said.

One can't help but wonder what Douglas thinks about being a minor voice in such an important decision. Ultimately, he led the search for a coach that led to Saleh's signing in 2021. Will Saleh's firing impact Douglas' decision-making at the end of the season?

Interesting.

4. Inexplicable: Haason Reddick's resistance gets stranger every week. He was dropped by CAA, the agency that represents him, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported. CAA reportedly had discussions with the Jets, but the Pro Bowl edge rusher was unmoved by his stance. If he sits out the season, which is becoming possible, his contract would expire and the Jets would retain his rights through 2025.

After Monday night, Reddick will have forfeited more than $4.7 million in game checks as well as another $5 million in NFL-mandated fines.

5. Choose a Mentor: Shortly after being named interim head coach, Ulbrich reached out to some of his mentors for advice. He spoke with Dan Quinn (Washington Commanders), Matt LaFleur (Green Bay Packers) and Raheem Morris (Atlanta Falcons). He spoke to Morris at length. Not only is Morris a close friend, he also served as interim head coach for the Falcons in 2020. He understands the challenges faced by someone with the interim title.

“He gave me a lot of advice,” Ulbrich said.

6. Brady, who? Ulbrich, 47, played 10 years in the NFL as a starting linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers. In 2000, he was selected in the third round (No. 86 overall), 113 spots ahead of someone named Tom Brady.

“My claim to fame is that I was drafted before him,” Ulbrich said. “That’s the only thing I did better than him.”

7. Another brick in the wall: Ulbrich prefers to be called “Brick”. While speaking to reporters, safety coach Marquand Manuel accidentally called him “Jeff” — and found himself doing so.

“I’m not allowed to call him that,” Manuel said, smiling.

Ulbrich is not the first brick in Jets history. D'Brickashaw Ferguson was the starting left tackle from 2006 to 2015. Then there's Brick Johnson, the teenage son of owner Woody Johnson.

8. Compassionate Ear: Several players reached out to Saleh after his firing, including player Thomas Morstead, who told his former coach about his own experience with being fired. Morstead was cut from the New Orleans Saints after 12 years, which he described as “devastating.” It happened again three years ago when he was released by the Jets.

“We talked about it,” Morstead said. “It's just a difficult thing. It’s a reminder that this business is about winning.”

9. Wisdom from a wise man: Middle linebacker CJ Mosley was hoping to return Monday night after missing three games with a toe injury and made the most of his time on the sidelines. The captain is like an additional coach, providing information and insight to his successor, Jamien Sherwood.

“It's been really cool for me because I can sit back and see what we've built over the years,” Mosley said of the linebacking corps.

Mosley, a selfless leader, raved about Sherwood's performance. According to Next Gen Stats, he leads the team with 22 tackles against the run and six run stuffed. Sherwood will likely return to his role as LB3 with Mosley's return.

10. The Last Word: “I spoke to him before training. I just told him, 'Man, the way you handle this inspires me. You motivate me.' It was a sudden change and he was prepared for it. – Cornerback Sauce Gardner on Ulbrich