The New York Jets experienced a humiliating defeat on Sunday, and the repercussions might extend beyond the field. In desperate need of a victory against the Miami Dolphins to keep their faint playoff hopes alive, the Jets suffered a resounding 30-0 loss, highlighting the team’s myriad issues.
Following this defeat, both SNY’s Connor Hughes and The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt reported that head coach Robert Saleh is facing challenges in maintaining his influence in the locker room.
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“There is losing games, and then there is losing the locker room, and Saleh is getting dangerously close to the latter. It might already be happening.” [via The Athletic]
“Coaches can endure losing seasons. They happen. The death knell is when he loses the locker room. The on-field performance and postgame quotes illustrate players are dangerously close to turning. They’ve made off-the-record remarks in recent weeks. Now they’re saying them in front of cameras. [via SNY]
With a current record of 16-32 as the head coach of the Jets, Saleh is facing increasing scrutiny. The optimism that accompanied the 2023 season, especially with the addition of Aaron Rodgers, has been tempered by challenges, particularly after Rodgers went down early in the season.
Despite a promising start with quarterback Zach Wilson throwing for over 300 yards against Houston, the Jets’ offensive struggles were exacerbated in the latest loss. Wilson exited the game in the second quarter with a head injury, contributing to the team’s first shutout since the 2021 season.
The Jets’ offense managed a mere 103 total yards, the fourth-fewest in franchise history, and secured only 11 first downs. With expectations riding high coming into the season, the team’s current trajectory raises questions about the viability of Saleh’s leadership.
As the Jets evaluate their options, Saleh’s tenure as head coach may be at a critical juncture, with the need for a significant turnaround to revive playoff aspirations.
