Following their 24-9 season-opening loss to the Ravens, many questioned if this was the identical previous Jets group.
What a distinction 5 weeks makes within the NFL.
Not solely has Gang Green gained 4 of its final 5 video games, however the group is within the thick of a playoff chase.
“It’s a start, it’s a good start and that’s all it is,” Jets proprietor Woody Johnson instructed the Daily News’ Pat Leonard on the NFL homeowners’ conferences in Manhattan on Tuesday. “We are very comfortable. Green Bay, in the event you do something at Green Bay, that’s fairly dope going to Lambeau, sacred Lambeau Field.
“It takes a lot with changing culture. I was surprised that it came in this fast. The young guys are doing it this fast. The vets are doing their job.”
In 2021, Robert Saleh took over a Jets franchise that had recorded one successful season [2015] since 2010. His predecessor Adam Gase had run the group into the bottom and the Jets roster resembled one in all an enlargement group.
Saleh instantly knew he had his palms full with making an attempt to develop a successful tradition. After a 4-13 marketing campaign, Saleh determined it was time to herald an excellent mixture of veterans so as to add to the Jets’ youth.
During the offseason, the Jets added cornerback D.J. Reed, who Saleh knew from his days as a defensive coordinator of the 49ers. The group additionally signed linebacker Kwon Alexander and sort out Duane Brown after the beginning of coaching camp.
Not to say, the Jets additionally drafted cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, vast receiver Garrett Wilson, defensive finish Jermaine Johnson and operating again Breece Hall all inside the first 36 picks of the 2022 NFL Draft.
This group now resembles the younger 49ers group, with Saleh and Kyle Shanahan main the best way as coach. After enduring back-to-back shedding seasons in 2017 and 2018, San Francisco completed 13-3 earlier than shedding Super Bowl LIV to the Chiefs.
San Francisco relied on protection, operating the ball and particular groups to win video games, very like the Jets are at present doing now.
“Our style of play is effort, technique and violence,” Saleh stated. “Those are the three issues that we really feel as gamers and coaches that we’ve management over. The greatest approach to present that’s when the lights are off and it’s one individual watching tape, there’s no sound, there’s no announcer, there’s no replay, there’s no nonetheless shot.
“It’s my eyes taking a look at your tape, and it’s darkish and it’s quiet. What am I seeing? What are you telling me off of your tape? Our fashion of play is every thing and people are the three issues we would like leaping off the tape.
“We want to see guys playing with great effort, playing with precision and obviously playing with violence. I feel like, especially the last two weeks, it feels like that part of our game is getting better and better and still has a long way to go. It’s heading in that direction, credit to the players, they’re doing a great job of handling things they got control over.”
Throughout coaching camp, Saleh and the Jets gamers repeatedly stated how a lot improved the group was in comparison with final yr. After a 4-2 begin, it’s tough to argue with the outcomes to this point.
The Green and White have discovered other ways to win video games, particularly late within the fourth quarter. They have relied on Hall to hold their offense in wins towards the Dolphins and Packers.
Quarterback Zach Wilson and the Jets protection had been the keys to the 24-20 Week 4 victory at Pittsburgh. And with 1:55 left on the clock, the Jets discovered a approach to come again from a 14-point deficit to stun the Browns 31-30.
There are 11 video games left within the season and the Jets are sitting because the sixth seed within the AFC after their three-game successful streak. Gang Green has three key video games towards the Broncos and residential towards the Patriots and Bills earlier than its bye week.
Saleh retains preaching to the gamers that they haven’t carried out something particular. He additionally needs the gamers to really feel like successful can turn into regular for the Jets franchise.
“It’s not easy to win in this league and I think everyone knows that,” Brown stated. “Being capable of string off three in a row, it’s even harder. You wish to get pleasure from that and admire it for what it’s, however perceive every week goes to deliver new challenges.
“No one cares about what you’ve done the week before. You have to switch your preparation, switch your focus and understand the challenges you have ahead.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com