Notebook | GM Joe Douglas and HC Robert Saleh Bullish on Jets' Future

[Bronx]

https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/notebook-gm-joe-douglas-and-hc-robert-saleh-bullish-on-jets-future

A Quick Look Back, and a Laser-Focus on 2022 Season and Beyond

Jan 19, 2022 at 02:13 PM
Bell_Jack_Headshot
Jack Bell
 

Days after the completion of the 2021 NFL season, general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh sat down with team reporter Eric Allen for a retrospective with perspective while also sharing their thoughts on where the Green & White is going and where the club needs to go.

No promises. No bombast. But there is a definite sense that the Jets' co-pilots are reading from the same playbook as they go about building a culture and a foundation for next season and beyond.

'Kickstarting the Offseason'
Douglas is preparing for his third NFL draft, at present holding two picks in the first round (Nos. 4 and 10) and two more in the top 38 (Nos. 35 and 38) plus five additional selections in the rest of the draft. Exciting though it might be, especially in light of the strong draft in 2021 and the strong play of the rookie class, the GM was candid about the past season.

"It was a tough year in terms of winning four games," he said. "I feel like today is a good day, it's the start of another action process. Four wins are not where we want to be, so it was a tough year in that regard. Today we kickstarted the offseason. It's been great getting together with the players on exit interviews and hearing them out. There are a lot of reasons to be excited, and a lot of that is because of the man to my left [Saleh], his coaching, his ability to teach and inspire and lead. I feel like we have the foundation in place."

Saleh, who has been a part of several rebuilds across the league, came to the Jets after serving as the defensive coordinator for the 49ers. He brought along a no-nonsense approach and won over the locker room with a clear message.

"I thought he did an amazing job," Douglas said. "They [the coaching staff] didn't dip their toes in the water in terms of player development, they went in headfirst, actually cannonballed. With this young team, we've really embraced the player development aspect. The staff's ability to teach and lead, you saw it as the season progressed. So many first- and second-year players came along and to see their growth, their progress was awesome to see."

That Douglas and his staff hit on their 2021 draft picks is undeniable.

"The draft, that is the foundation of every great team," he said. "To be consistent and successful you have to be able to build through the draft. So the onus is on us as a group, the staff, the scouts, everyone to make sure we're getting exactly the right person for this culture who can flourish."

QB Zach Wilson laid the groundwork for exciting progress next season after returning from a four-game absence, looking poised and confident, and not throwing an interception his final five games. RB Michael Carter led the team in rushing yards and nearly eclipsed 1,000 total yards from scrimmage. LG Alijah Vera-Tucker had the most snaps on the team and looks like he could be a future perennial All-Pro. WR Elijah Moore gave us glimpses of his game-breaking capabilities. On defense, CBs Michael Carter II, Brandin Echols and Jason Pinnock developed as the season went on. Not to be left out, the rookie LBs Jamien Sherwood and Hamsah Nasirildeendealt with injuries, but figure into the team's future.

"No. 1, I think what stands out is how professional these guys were, how they attacked every day," Douglas said. "Their love of the game, it showed on the field when they got out there. The coaches and staff and their ability to develop them has set us on a path.

"Zach made progress, with AVT we feel like he's a left guard who could be the foundation of the offensive line. Carter, Moore, a lot of young players stepped up in big ways. Now they have to continue. We can't take the foot off the gas. We have to come back and be ready to roll."

Speaking about Wilson, Douglas said: "His passion for the game shows every day he walks into the building. He's nonstop football and that's what we love about him, how he's wired and how he wants to prepare, soak in as much knowledge as he can. Watching his progression throughout the year, being in less-than-ideal situations in the back half, not having all the starters at skill positions -- wide receiver, running back, tight end -- and still being able to play efficient winning football and taking care of the ball, those are really good indications."

In sum, Douglas said: "I can't wait to get with coach and staff and lock arms and attack the free-agent evaluation process, the Combine, attack college scouting ... we have a lot of work to do. I am fortunate to have great teammates like Coach Saleh and his staff and we're going to do this together."

Saleh: 'Honeymoon of Being a Rookie Is Over'
Through the challenges of being a first-year coach, dealing with a raft of injuries and the coronavirus pandemic (which sidelined him for a game), Saleh never wavered from his message and his belief in his players. He joined the Jets last January -- "It feels like 10 years ago," he said -- and embarked on a project to change the culture.

"It's been a roller coaster," Saleh said. "There's been some hair-pulling moments, even though I don't have any! It's been a tremendous experience, a foundation's been laid that will allow us to build some of those skyscrapers over the next few years.

"Sometimes we lose sight because of the time crunch -- everyone wants everything now. To have confidence in everyone we bring into the building takes precedence and we have to have confidence in each other. I feel there are so many guys who have taken a giant leap in playing ability from the beginning to the end of the year. Credit to the staff and individual players, and Joe and his staff for the character they've brought in. It's a collective effort. It's something we strive for and won't end with this group. I'm excited about the next group we get to develop and get our hands on."

With his perspective and experience in the league, Saleh has emphasized to his players, particularly the younger ones, the importance of staying on point during the offseason.

"The transition from Year 1 to Year 2 can get lost in this offseason, happens all the time," he said. "To really stay connected and focused because for the first time in life they have more time than they've ever had and more money than they've ever had. Just keep the main thing the main thing. Everything you do from now until September is getting you ready to have a better second year. The message is simple: Stay connected and be prepared to have your greatest offseason, but also the most difficult. It doesn't stop. The honeymoon of being a rookie is over, and we all need to find a way to get better in the second year."

He pointed to the regular-season finale at Buffalo as a kind of signpost along the road to maturity and long-term success. The Jets hung with the AFC East champion Bills until late in the game.

"I'm really proud of the group," he said. "We responded and never went away. It's what you look for in a game -- loud, cold, windy, raining, not ideal weather for a quarterback, ideal for running the football and playing great defense."

He added: "We've been in a lot of fourth-quarter games, within a score. Being able to close the gap is being able to win in the fourth quarter, pulling out close games where our playmakers make a play when one needs to be made. I think we have the right character in building and have an opportunity to add to it. It's a combination of youth, character and excitement and I hope it propels us into the offseason, have a heck of an offseason and hit the ground running with OTAs."

[Bronx]

14 minutes ago, Bronx said:

Watching his progression throughout the year, being in less-than-ideal situations in the back half, not having starters at skill positions -- wide receiver, running back, tight end --

Fixed - then get it right JD!

[68JET11]

1 hour ago, Bronx said:

Fixed - then get it right JD!

Correct, he needs to get 2 WR/TE this offseason, whether it be in the draft or FA, but we need 4 at the least.

[Long Island Leprechaun]

If anyone learned anything from that puff piece, I tip my hat.

[sec101row23]

Well if the head coach and GM aren’t “bullish” on the team, who the hell else would be? 

[CSNY]

Nice optimistic article but enough of the words the time is now to have the W-L record reflect this optimistic view. Although I do believe in what they are saying and how they are going about the transformation of the organization there can be no more excuses. Not a playoff or bust scenario but a solid 8-9 win season must be achieved this year or the  faith that many of us have in the current regime will erode and it will get real ugly really fast. I want the Jets to be the ones that get retribution and run up the score as opposed to the other way around. Want us to be the dog instead of the fire hydrant

[munchmemory]

39 minutes ago, Long Island Leprechaun said:

If anyone learned anything from that puff piece, I tip my hat.

Yup.  That's all we'll get until the start of the season. 

File this one away and re-read when JD and Saleh are gone in two years.

[Dcat]

"Bullish"?  Well WTF are they supposed to be?  Bearish?  Crappy article title, crappy article.

Maybe he meant bullsh*t?

[Hex]

[freestater]

Three guys who collect paychecks from the Jets think that they should keep collecting paychecks from the Jets. Details at 11. 

[TuscanyTile2]

1 hour ago, Long Island Leprechaun said:

If anyone learned anything from that puff piece, I tip my hat.

I was stunned to learn that 2 people whose salary and employment depend on winning games are optimistic about next season!  They're "laser focused"!

[slats]

I get that this is a fluff piece, but there are plenty of reasons for optimism. Joe Douglas’ second draft was a lot better than his first, and I don’t think that was dumb luck. His approach was much different even though he went OL-WR two years in a row. In his first draft, he looked to make a splash with Becton’s HoF level upside over the safer Wirfs. In year two, he traded up for maybe the safest OL available - and it paid off. In his first year, he got cute with the trade down and probably missed on the WR he wanted so in his second he did the stick and pick in what looked like a sure fire trade down scenario and grabbed Moore, who also looks like a foundational piece. 
 
The entire second draft had an obvious plan to it, whereas his first was kinda scattershot. It makes sense, the team was in worse shape the previous year and needed help everywhere, but I also think the partnership with Saleh and his staff is significantly better than with Gase, and that resulted in a very targeted lottery process.  
 
The four win team still has a lot of holes, and I’m looking forward to see how they fill them. Pass rush on defense and receiving targets on offense would be my priorities. I’m hoping JD sees things similarly, and have a lot of reason to believe that he does. I’ll be disappointed if he takes any secondary players or IOL in the top ten, but over two drafts he seems to understand positional value pretty well, so I’m not overly concerned. 

[Big_Slick]

4 hours ago, Bronx said:

He pointed to the regular-season finale at Buffalo as a kind of signpost along the road to maturity and long-term success.

That quote by JD cracked me up. Granted Buffalo is a very good team but to twist that season finale game into a positive sign the team is heading towards success is a stretch.

53    Total Net Yards        424
4    Total Penalties        4
27    Penalty Yards        40
23:00    Time of Possession    37:00

 

[rangerous]

there were just too many injuries and holes at key positions to really judge this team.  true enough a number of young players really did performa at a high level.  this alone will free up douglas to fill other glaring holes.  of course the team success will depend on these young players to continue to get better and stay on the field.  and the most important thing is wilson did turn a corner of sorts.  he strted to trust his oline and opted for a shorter passing game.  that was kind of hard because he just didn't have enough reliable receivers at times and it was obvious the run game helped.  we'll see what happens.  if douglas can get 3 or 4 blue chippers in the draft then this team could surprise next season.  in any case things have to be looking a whole lot better than they were with bowles/mac and gase.

[Jet Blast]

On 1/21/2022 at 10:15 AM, slats said:

I get that this is a fluff piece, but there are plenty of reasons for optimism. Joe Douglas’ second draft was a lot better than his first, and I don’t think that was dumb luck. His approach was much different even though he went OL-WR two years in a row. In his first draft, he looked to make a splash with Becton’s HoF level upside over the safer Wirfs. In year two, he traded up for maybe the safest OL available - and it paid off. In his first year, he got cute with the trade down and probably missed on the WR he wanted so in his second he did the stick and pick in what looked like a sure fire trade down scenario and grabbed Moore, who also looks like a foundational piece. 
 
The entire second draft had an obvious plan to it, whereas his first was kinda scattershot. It makes sense, the team was in worse shape the previous year and needed help everywhere, but I also think the partnership with Saleh and his staff is significantly better than with Gase, and that resulted in a very targeted lottery process.  
 
The four win team still has a lot of holes, and I’m looking forward to see how they fill them. Pass rush on defense and receiving targets on offense would be my priorities. I’m hoping JD sees things similarly, and have a lot of reason to believe that he does. I’ll be disappointed if he takes any secondary players or IOL in the top ten, but over two drafts he seems to understand positional value pretty well, so I’m not overly concerned. 

I am not a Joe Douglas apologist, but one thing I don't see people talking about is the Adam Gase effect. In Joe's first draft he was (presumably) drafting player types who would be good fits in in Adam Gase's system. In the second draft he had a completely different set of criteria, drafting for LaFleur and Saleh's system. Also, by many accounts, the first year draft initially looked better than it does now. I wonder how much this had to do with the coaches' influence in the picks for each system.

[Jetsfan80]

10 hours ago, sec101row23 said:

Well if the head coach and GM aren’t “bullish” on the team, who the hell else would be? 

Hymie Elhai is bearish.  He thinks we lack talent at premium positions.  But before he can get to work on that he still is dealing with the ketchup maggot fallout.  

[Jetsfan80]

9 hours ago, Hex said:

 

@Jetscode1

[Jetsfan80]

8 hours ago, freestater said:

Three guys who collect paychecks from the Jets think that they should keep collecting paychecks from the Jets. Details at 11. 

But not a single mention of Belichick being a scumbag.  Worthless article in every way.

[Hex]

17 minutes ago, Jetsfan80 said:

But not a single mention of Belichick being a scumbag.  Worthless article in every way.

[rex-n-effect]

8 hours ago, Jet Blast said:

I am not a Joe Douglas apologist, but one thing don't see people talking about is the Adam Gase effect. In Joe's first draft he was (presumably) drafting player types who would be good fits in in Adam Gase's system. In the second draft he had a completely different set of criteria, drafting for LaFleur and Saleh's system. Also, by many accounts, the first year draft initially looked better than it does now. I wonder how much this had to do with the coaches' influence in the picks for each system.

Right--GMs cannot totally disregard the head coach and his desires in the draft. There are roster management concerns for the GM but the GM has to balance a relationship with the head coach. Even if JD thought Gase had one foot out the door by the 2020 draft JD couldn't completely ignore Gase and then have Gase hold his job another year by complaining that he wasn't given any help in the draft for his system. I'm not excusing every bad decision as a Gase influence but there is a noticeable difference in the quality of the 2020 vs. 2021 draft. 

[Jetscode1]

2 hours ago, Jetsfan80 said:

 

@Jetscode1

Still the best day 1 scum hunting machine ever built.

[Smashmouth]

2 hours ago, Hex said:

This bra is killing me

[jetstream23]

By far, the best way to improve the team’s performance from this year to next year isn’t by adding new players. It’s by keeping this roster healthy.

It doesn’t matter if you have talented guys like Elijah Moore, Carl Lawson and Mekhi Becton if they are home watching these games on TV.

[Big_Slick]

I've seen a theme that says JD gets a pass for his horrendous 2020 draft because he had to pick players that fit Gase's system.
I don't see where that draft was influenced by Gase.
Round 1: OT Mekhi Becton (No. 11 overall)
JD's stated team building strategy was to build the OL and DL lines. Gase didn't make JD take the wrong OL.
Round 2: WR Denzel Mims (59)
Jets needed WR & this draft was deep, JD picked a dog.
Round 3: S Ashtyn Davis (68)
This looks like a long term GM type of pick. Does anyone think Gase wanted a safety? JD picked another winner.
Round 3: DE Jabari Zuniga (79)
Gase was pounding the table for this monster. He didn't want another WR, Mims was more than enough.
Round 4: RB La’Mical Perine (120)
OK - Gase was desperate after wasting two thirds on D.
Round 4: QB James Morgan (125)
Yeah, Gase wanted a developmental QB
Round 5: CB Bryce Hall (158)
Best pick of JD's draft.
Round 6: P Braden Mann (191)

2020 draft belongs solely to JD and unless Becton turns it around it could be one of the worst in Jets history.

 

[FidelioJet]

9 hours ago, Big_Slick said:

I've seen a theme that says JD gets a pass for his horrendous 2020 draft because he had to pick players that fit Gase's system.
I don't see where that draft was influenced by Gase.
Round 1: OT Mekhi Becton (No. 11 overall)
JD's stated team building strategy was to build the OL and DL lines. Gase didn't make JD take the wrong OL.
Round 2: WR Denzel Mims (59)
Jets needed WR & this draft was deep, JD picked a dog.
Round 3: S Ashtyn Davis (68)
This looks like a long term GM type of pick. Does anyone think Gase wanted a safety? JD picked another winner.
Round 3: DE Jabari Zuniga (79)
Gase was pounding the table for this monster. He didn't want another WR, Mims was more than enough.
Round 4: RB La’Mical Perine (120)
OK - Gase was desperate after wasting two thirds on D.
Round 4: QB James Morgan (125)
Yeah, Gase wanted a developmental QB
Round 5: CB Bryce Hall (158)
Best pick of JD's draft.
Round 6: P Braden Mann (191)

2020 draft belongs solely to JD and unless Becton turns it around it could be one of the worst in Jets history.

 

JD's first draft was bad.  There's no sugar coating it, anyone saying otherwise isn't living in reality.

Now, if Becton actually ends up being a long term starter (which I doubt) and Hall continues on his growth then you landed a starting LT and starting CB - still not good, but not terrible either.

If Becton doesn't play the majority of games next year - this will and should go down as one of the worst drafts in Jets history.

 

 

[southparkcpa]

On 1/21/2022 at 8:12 AM, sec101row23 said:

Well if the head coach and GM aren’t “bullish” on the team, who the hell else would be? 

Exactly…..   they both have a lot to prove. JDs drafts have been head shaking at best and Saleh has appeared to not know WTF he is doing.    Ill wait for results…..   and get down voted by the homers for this post who believe a 9 win season is the SB. 

[FidelioJet]

10 minutes ago, southparkcpa said:

Exactly…..   they both have a lot to prove. JDs drafts have been head shaking at best and Saleh has appeared to not know WTF he is doing.    Ill wait for results…..   and get down voted by the homers for this post who believe a 9 win season is the SB. 

2020 was a bad draft, 2021 was very good.  "head shaking"?

[Jet Nut]

10 hours ago, Big_Slick said:

I've seen a theme that says JD gets a pass for his horrendous 2020 draft because he had to pick players that fit Gase's system.
I don't see where that draft was influenced by Gase.
Round 1: OT Mekhi Becton (No. 11 overall)
JD's stated team building strategy was to build the OL and DL lines. Gase didn't make JD take the wrong OL.
Round 2: WR Denzel Mims (59)
Jets needed WR & this draft was deep, JD picked a dog.
Round 3: S Ashtyn Davis (68)
This looks like a long term GM type of pick. Does anyone think Gase wanted a safety? JD picked another winner.
Round 3: DE Jabari Zuniga (79)
Gase was pounding the table for this monster. He didn't want another WR, Mims was more than enough.
Round 4: RB La’Mical Perine (120)
OK - Gase was desperate after wasting two thirds on D.
Round 4: QB James Morgan (125)
Yeah, Gase wanted a developmental QB
Round 5: CB Bryce Hall (158)
Best pick of JD's draft.
Round 6: P Braden Mann (191)

2020 draft belongs solely to JD and unless Becton turns it around it could be one of the worst in Jets history.

 

Becton fits Gases OL better than LaFleurs.  

Mims is a better fit for Gases O

There isnt a scenario available where this could possibly be one of the worst drafts in Jets history.  Becton is a player no matter how you look at it, he doesnt have to turn anything around, he just has to stay healthy, not have a teammate roll up his kneee.  

Hall is a player, Mann isnt going anywhere.  

[Jet Nut]

16 minutes ago, southparkcpa said:

JDs drafts have been head shaking at best and Saleh has appeared to not know WTF he is doing.  

Really, last years draft was a head shaker?  For who?

How did Saleh appear to not know WTF he was doing?  Because we lost games?  I hear this and say, where are the example of him not knowing WTF  he was doing?  

[Big_Slick]

25 minutes ago, Jet Nut said:

Becton fits Gases OL better than LaFleurs.  

Mims is a better fit for Gases O

There isnt a scenario available where this could possibly be one of the worst drafts in Jets history.  Becton is a player no matter how you look at it, he doesnt have to turn anything around, he just has to stay healthy, not have a teammate roll up his kneee.  

Hall is a player, Mann isnt going anywhere.  

Becton had many red flags and they're turning out to be true. As the GM JD should have nixed the Becton pick even if Gase demanded it. Wirfs was the pick all day long. 

How does a bust pick in Mims fit better in any HC's offense, just a bad pick by the GM.

[Peace Frog]

47 minutes ago, Jet Nut said:

Mann isnt going anywhere.  

To be fair, and maybe I had unrealistic expectations, but I thought Mann was going to be a lot better than he’s been. Maybe if he rehabs further in the off-season he’ll get the booming leg back. 

[Jet_Engine1]

17 hours ago, Jetsfan80 said:

Hymie Elhai is still is dealing with the ketchup maggot fallout.  

[TuscanyTile2]

14 hours ago, jetstream23 said:

By far, the best way to improve the team’s performance from this year to next year isn’t by adding new players. It’s by keeping this roster healthy.

It doesn’t matter if you have talented guys like Elijah Moore, Carl Lawson and Mekhi Becton if they are home watching these games on TV.

That's why JD acquired LDT!

[jetstream23]

26 minutes ago, TuscanyTile2 said:

That's why JD acquired LDT!

[David Harris]

18 hours ago, Big_Slick said:

I've seen a theme that says JD gets a pass for his horrendous 2020 draft because he had to pick players that fit Gase's system.
I don't see where that draft was influenced by Gase.
Round 1: OT Mekhi Becton (No. 11 overall)
JD's stated team building strategy was to build the OL and DL lines. Gase didn't make JD take the wrong OL.
Round 2: WR Denzel Mims (59)
Jets needed WR & this draft was deep, JD picked a dog.
Round 3: S Ashtyn Davis (68)
This looks like a long term GM type of pick. Does anyone think Gase wanted a safety? JD picked another winner.
Round 3: DE Jabari Zuniga (79)
Gase was pounding the table for this monster. He didn't want another WR, Mims was more than enough.
Round 4: RB La’Mical Perine (120)
OK - Gase was desperate after wasting two thirds on D.
Round 4: QB James Morgan (125)
Yeah, Gase wanted a developmental QB
Round 5: CB Bryce Hall (158)
Best pick of JD's draft.
Round 6: P Braden Mann (191)

2020 draft belongs solely to JD and unless Becton turns it around it could be one of the worst in Jets history.

 

Yeah - but get off it already.

It’s been well documented and I’m tired of it.  The man has nailed the biggest decisions so far.  The franchise changing decisions. Can you imagine keeping Sam Darnold? How about caving to Jamal Adams as Mac would’ve done? Mac would’ve signed Jordan Jenkins to a 3 year extension worth $21 mill, he would’ve given Kenny Golladay $18 mill and Urban Meyer or some schmuck retread would be our HC right now.

We are flush with young promising players, loaded with draft picks and cash. 

So yeah the 2020 draft was bad. It’s a small slice of the pie right now. So sure I’m a JD “apologist” because this team is being built exactly how it should be.