The New York Jets suffered a devastating loss in their season opener, losing to the Cincinnati Bengals by a score of 31-13. Head Coach Robert Saleh has been with the team for less than one year, and this is his first game as head coach. This game should bring up painful memories for him, but he will be able to move on from it.
The all gas no brakes jets t-shirt is a shirt that was made for the New York Jets. It is also a reminder of the devastating loss that they suffered last year.
The New York Jets made a major move in 2019 by replacing Mike Maccagnan with Joe Douglas after seeing him turn the team into a laughingstock. To no one’s surprise, the first-time general manager quickly moved on from Adam Gase, who was vastly overrated. The Jets should improve on their 2-14 record from a year ago now that Robert Saleh is in charge.
Unfortunately for the first-year head coach, his club was defeated badly on Thursday, bringing back bitter memories of his time with the San Francisco 49ers.
In 2021, the Jets will be without their top free-agent signing.
The Jets went after one of the best defensive free agents on the market after finishing 26th in points allowed last season. They inked Carl Lawson to a three-year, $45 million deal to fill a significant need for a high-impact edge rusher. The 6-foot-2, 265-pound defensive end had 20 sacks and 83 quarterback hits for the Cincinnati Bengals after being drafted in the fourth round in 2017. Lawson’s arrival was a huge boost for a Jets defense that has been in desperate need of a No. 1 pass rusher for years.
Unfortunately for the Jets’ $45 million guy, his 21st career sack will have to wait until next season.
During Thursday’s joint practice versus the Green Bay Packers, Lawson looked to have a severe lower-body injury. He injured his left Achilles tendon while playing in a red zone session, according to ESPN. As a consequence of his current injury setback, the 26-year-old will miss the 2021 season. In 2014, Lawson tore his left ACL, and in 2018, he tore his right ACL.
The Jets will likely struggle to get after the quarterback again now that their greatest free-agent acquisition is gone for the season. Seeing Lawson go down with a season-ending injury should bring back some sad memories for Saleh.
For Robert Saleh, the Carl Lawson injury should bring back some unpleasant memories.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 14: New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh during a preseason game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on August 14, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images/Dustin Satloff)
Given their need for a strong leader, it’s no surprise that the Jets chose one of the most active and passionate coaches on the field on Sundays. Saleh’s proclivity for getting worked up on the sidelines has made him a viral phenomenon. At the same time, he’s gained a reputation for his game knowledge and ability to motivate and connect with players.
Saleh faced several major difficulties during his time as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator. Even though he moved from San Francisco to New York, the 42-year-old will have to overcome a major staff loss once again.
Under Saleh’s supervision, the 49ers were sixth in total yards allowed in 2020. Of course, they did it without standout defensive end Nick Bosa, who tore his ACL in Week 2 and missed the rest of the season. Solomon Thomas, Dee Ford, Richard Sherman, and Ezekiel Ansah were among the players who left San Francisco. Despite this, Saleh’s unit finished a respectable 17th in terms of points allowed.
Losing Lawson should remind Saleh of what he went through with the 49ers last season. With Bosa out for the bulk of the season, he needed to find a way to get output from his less skilled teammates. Saleh seems to be using the same strategy in his debut season with the Jets.
Isn’t this not a bad way to start his new job?
At the first year of Saleh’s tenure in New York, what would be deemed a successful season?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQf 4J xAb0
With Lawson gone for the season, the Jets don’t seem to be capable of making a significant defensive improvement.
Will they be better just because Saleh is there?
Absolutely.
Should fans still anticipate some stumbling blocks?
Unquestionably.
Simply stated, on that side of the ball, the Jets don’t have many proven playmakers. Quinnen Williams seems to be a rising star, but his job will be made much more difficult without Lawson demanding the attention of offensive linemen. Meanwhile, after signing a five-year, $85 million free-agent contract in 2019, four-time Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley has only played in two games.
So, what does a good season look like for Saleh?
First and foremost, Zach Wilson’s growth is crucial. The club must do all in its power to prepare the gifted quarterback for long-term success. The Jets should be ecstatic if Wilson maintains his command of the offense and remains healthy.
What about the defense? Without Lawson lined up on the edge, it’s difficult to envision New York being a league-average team. Given the Jets’ lackluster depth chart, Saleh could be regarded a success if he can convert them into a top-20 defense.
In the end, it’s pointless to have great hopes for the first year of the Robert Saleh administration. The Jets seem headed for another dismal season with Carl Lawson out until 2022.
At the very least, there’s always the next year.
Pro Football Reference provided all statistics. Spotrac provided all contract information.
Bill Belichick is already dealing with a troubling trend that no amount of money will be able to reverse.
The new york jets coaching staff is a team that has been struggling for years. Robert Saleh was the new head coach, but he didn’t last long.
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