Jets are the Lead in Today’s Peter King Column

[slats]

“I read a quote from Bill Parcells,” Robert Saleh said, driving home from MetLife Stadium around 6 p.m. Sunday, after the biggest win of his head-coaching life. “‘In New York, it’s euphoria or disaster.’”

Yup. Parcells said it—about 78 times a year as coach of the Giants, then the Jets. I’d asked Saleh about his comment that he’s “taking receipts on all the people who continually mock us.” Saleh, a Detroit guy, didn’t care after a lousy opening loss to Baltimore two months ago that he was inviting scorn. In fact, in the grand tradition of Parcells, Saleh wanted the scorn.

“I did,” he said. “You know, until you’re here, you don’t realize it. But there was so much negativity, so much raining down on a young football team. We’re so young. I just felt like it was important to kind of deflect the attention off the players and bring it on me. You know that it was gonna come down on me. Any time you challenge the media, they’re gonna come out guns blazing.

“We have such a young group. They’re so talented. I believed in them, and I just wanted them to have a chance. That statement was more about allowing them to go play freely, and shouldering the criticism myself. In the world of social media, these kids are impressionable. They have feelings too. It’s like, shoot, if they just play football, just play, feel free, play the game they’ve loved since they were kids, hey, they’re gonna be pretty good.”

Jets 20, Bills 17.

The Jets are 6-2 since Saleh began taking receipts.

They’re a half-game behind the almighty Bills in the AFC East.

They’re not going away.

You know what impressed me the most about the Jets Sunday? It’s something I’d call the ethos of Bryce Huff. You don’t know Bryce Huff, do you? You’re about to. He made the biggest play in the biggest win the Jets have had since they beat the Patriots in a playoff-impacting game late in 2015. Bryce Huff. The perfect metaphor for the 2022 Jets.
 
Why, after this great Jets win that put them a half game out of first place behind the mighty Bills, with boldface names like Sauce Gardner making such big plays, am I hung up on an undrafted free-agent from Memphis named Bryce Huff who played just 15 snaps Sunday at the Meadowlands?

A few reasons. Did you see the play Huff made? Watch.

Jets up 20-17, 77 seconds left, Bills ball, second-and-two at the Buffalo 33-, and the great Josh Allenis 67 yards away from winning the game with one of his big drives in big moments.

At the snap, Huff, who has one of the fastest off-the-snap rushes in football, sped to the outside of right tackle David Quessenberry. He breached the line in 0.74 seconds, per NFL Next Gen Stats, the fastest sprint across the line of scrimmage of any Jets’ rusher on the day. As Huff bore down on Allen, who didn’t see him, Huff hit Allen’s right arm and jarred the ball free, and it bounced backward, recovered by the Bills at the Buffalo 14-. Loss of 19. Incomplete, incomplete, ballgame. Jets win.

Huff’s a great example of who these Jets are. Invisible, mostly, but maybe not for long. First, in 2020, he had to prove himself to the coaching staff of Adam Gase, and Huff did. Then, when Gase was fired and Saleh hired, Huff had to prove himself all over again. A lightish 244-pound edge player, Saleh wanted him bigger and leaner. He bulked up to 260, adding 16 pounds of mostly lean muscle without losing his quick first step.

With the Jets pass-rush-rich, Huff took his chances where he could find them. A healthy scratch the first three weeks this year, he’s settled into a depth role, playing 13 to 20 snaps a game (15 on Sunday) and making each one count.

“If you have the ability to rush the passer, you’ll play in this league,” coach Robert Saleh told me. “Bryce can. He wins at a very high rate. I don’t know if I’d put it as ‘elite,’ but he’s got a great get-off and rushes with so much power that he’s very hard to block. The way we feel is, if they’re not chipping our rushers [with a second blocker], our ends should win one-on-one every time. That’s why Bryce is on the field in those critical situations. We think he can win.”

He won. The Jets won. And it was not a fluke. Maybe they’re not better than Buffalo—they’re not—but they’re on Buffalo’s level, and these Jets can compete with the Bills because they can play defense.

Three other things about these Jets:

1. Even without injured star rookie Breece Hall, they can run it. New York ran for 174 yards. When you run it great, you can keep a great quarterback off the field. “I’d be interested to know what our time of possession was in the second half,” Saleh said, “because I think we did a good job of kind of getting them out of rhythm.” The Jets held it for 17:39 of the second half, Buffalo for 12:21. Jets 34 plays, Bills just 25. I asked Saleh about running it so well, and he channeled his Parcells. “The best defenses in the world,” he said, “are the ones that watch. They’re on the sidelines because the offense can eat up the clock.”

2. They got quarterback Zach Wilson out of his funk. One of the first things Saleh said about Wilson (no turnovers after three picks last week against New England) was, “He had a great throwaway. One of the great things about Zach is how he takes coaching. We told him, ‘Trust that throwing the ball away is a positive play.’ We’re not asking Zach to be our Superman yet. One day we will. And there will be times we need him to be, but now’s not that time.”

3. The future is tough, but promising. After the bye this week, the Jets have this tough road: at New England, Chicago, at Minnesota, at Buffalo. Yikes. “Every game’s a championship game,” Saleh said. “Like today—Buffalo’s incredibly well-coached. Incredibly talented. The quarterback’s ridiculous. We can’t let the narrative of this Goliath coming into our building be the story, and we won’t in the coming weeks either.”

Saleh thinks it’s a tougher task these days to coach young players, and for young players to excel. Back in the day, coaches could control the narrative with an iron grip. Today, they can’t. Today, players are hit with omnipresent talk radio, social media, instageniuses dissecting games who don’t really know the game. Saleh battles it, and he battles the euphoria-or-disaster thing Parcells talked about.

“The market is hard and it feels sorry for no one,” he said. “When you lose games, it’s ‘fire everybody.’ When you win games it’s amazing. So just keep our head down. Try to educate our players. Stay off social media the best you can.”

Saleh said: “We’ve got two big signs players see as they walk out of the building every day: ‘Ignore the noise.’ “

“Ignore the noise and what?” I asked.

“That’s it. ‘Ignore the noise.’ We got signs on each side of the door. Ignore the noise.”

Don’t ignore the accomplishment, though. Beating the Bills has to make a long-downtrodden team feel: Why not us?

 

[Larz]

Welcome back to the NFL everyone.  
 

[Jetlife33]

Awesome 

[Sonny Werblin]

Quote

2. They got quarterback Zach Wilson out of his funk. One of the first things Saleh said about Wilson (no turnovers after three picks last week against New England) was, “He had a great throwaway. One of the great things about Zach is how he takes coaching. We told him, ‘Trust that throwing the ball away is a positive play.’ We’re not asking Zach to be our Superman yet. One day we will. And there will be times we need him to be, but now’s not that time.”

********

Today, players are hit with omnipresent talk radio, social media, instageniuses dissecting games who don’t really know the game. 

These two things stood out. 

[Zachtomims47]

 

Pretty cool when the opponents are taking notice. LFGGGG

[jetstream23]

22 minutes ago, slats said:

“When you lose games, it’s ‘fire everybody.’

Saleh reads some of our posters here.

I'm not kidding...

Quote

 instageniuses dissecting games who don’t really know the game. 

He really does.

lol

[slats]

1 minute ago, jetstream23 said:

Saleh reads some of our posters here.

I'm not kidding...

He really does.

lol

He hit on a couple points, lol. The way he talks about social media is one of the reasons you don’t see me getting too down on any Jet players, and never piling on unless or until they’re on their way out of town (see: Adams, Jamal). Anyone who doesn’t believe that this stuff can get inside players’ heads only need look as far as Becton’s big bust t-shirt. It’s a thing, and a huge one in the NYC market. 

[Ghost]

All of these people can kiss my ass. I don’t want them to even mention us. **** them. 

[rangerous]

peter king saying positives things about the jets?  the world has truly turned upside down.  hey king, don't even try to climb on the jets bandwagon.

but there are some true observations in this.  huff was in the right spot at the right time and this speaks to the jets who do have some good depth.  huff comes in fresh and beats a tired oline player.  it can't hurt.  but i think the more important thing huff did was injure allen's arm.  he just couldn't seem to pass as well after huff's play.

[Zachtomims47]

20 minutes ago, Sonny Werblin said:

These two things stood out. 

This coaching staff is making me slowly fall in love with them. I LOVE how they adapt and not afraid to change things to find what works best. 

Defensive staff fully listened when Quinnen yelled at them. Ulbrich is continuing to evolve and always changing up the game plan depending on the opponent. Players are buying in (cept Moore).

Hate when coaches are just stubborn and it's "my scheme, my way until the end" and nothing changes. Doesn't seem that way here. 

 

[Sonny Werblin]

Just now, Zachtomims47 said:

This coaching staff is making me slowly fall in love with them. I LOVE how they adapt and not afraid to change things to find what works best. 

Defensive staff fully listened when Quinnen yelled at them. Ulbrich is continuing to evolve and always changing up the game plan depending on the opponent. Players are buying in (cept Moore).

Hate when coaches are just stubborn and it's "my scheme, my way until the end" and nothing changes. Doesn't seem that way here. 

 

I think Moore has reversed course. No complaints about targets yesterday and celebrated with his teammates after the second half TD. I think the coaching staff has showed that they are genuine when they say a player needs to work on things to get opportunities. Mims got his chance, has performed and will continue to get chances. Moore knows if he puts his head down, puts in the work and produces when the opportunity arises, he will continue to get opportunities.

[Zachtomims47]

6 minutes ago, Sonny Werblin said:

I think Moore has reversed course. No complaints about targets yesterday and celebrated with his teammates after the second half TD. I think the coaching staff has showed that they are genuine when they say a player needs to work on things to get opportunities. Mims got his chance, has performed and will continue to get chances. Moore knows if he puts his head down, puts in the work and produces when the opportunity arises, he will continue to get opportunities.

He also has no other choice lol. Not until the off season when he maybe request a trade again. But for now he has to just keep his head down and work. Can't leave. 

[mrcoops]

Peter Patlover wrote that with gritted teeth.

[Sonny Werblin]

1 minute ago, Zachtomims47 said:

He also has no other choice lol. Not until the off season when he maybe request a trade again. But for now he has to just keep his head down and work. Can't leave. 

I don't think he gets traded unless the Jets are blown away with an offer and since he has done nothing, that will not happen. You are correct in that he has no other choice, but my point is that he seems to accept that and is enjoying the team success and no longer complaining.

[The Crusher]

24 minutes ago, slats said:

He hit on a couple points, lol. The way he talks about social media is one of the reasons you don’t see me getting too down on any Jet players, and never piling on unless or until they’re on their way out of town (see: Adams, Jamal). Anyone who doesn’t believe that this stuff can get inside players’ heads only need look as far as Becton’s big bust t-shirt. It’s a thing, and a huge one in the NYC market. 

This winning and this energy of family this team has very well may save Becton's career. Kids taken a lot of negativity, seems to be very sensitive to it, I think this motivates him to get back and be part of it. Oddly, weirdly and almost creepily enough the Jets have an energy that attracts people now. haha, yeah I said it. 

[Paradis]

Sweet article. Go Jets--

[Origen]

23 minutes ago, rangerous said:

peter king saying positives things about the jets?  the world has truly turned upside down.  hey king, don't even try to climb on the jets bandwagon.

but there are some true observations in this.  huff was in the right spot at the right time and this speaks to the jets who do have some good depth.  huff comes in fresh and beats a tired oline player.  it can't hurt.  but i think the more important thing huff did was injure allen's arm.  he just couldn't seem to pass as well after huff's play.

Allen still threw the ball almost 70 yards in the air right into the guys breadbasket on that last play, so while I agree he looked like he had hurt his arm/elbow, that dude is a machine.

[oatmeal]

18 minutes ago, Sonny Werblin said:

I don't think he gets traded unless the Jets are blown away with an offer and since he has done nothing, that will not happen. You are correct in that he has no other choice, but my point is that he seems to accept that and is enjoying the team success and no longer complaining.

Nah,

listen to the cant wait pod

moore snuck out the locker room before the media arrived and the beat seems to be firm on the stance Zach and Moore have 0 chemistry.

Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s moved in the offseason 

 

[Greensleeves]

43 minutes ago, slats said:

He hit on a couple points, lol. The way he talks about social media is one of the reasons you don’t see me getting too down on any Jet players, and never piling on unless or until they’re on their way out of town (see: Adams, Jamal). Anyone who doesn’t believe that this stuff can get inside players’ heads only need look as far as Becton’s big bust t-shirt. It’s a thing, and a huge one in the NYC market. 

And yet so called fans of our team have no problem piling it on even if it means it could effect their play - call me crazy, but that makes no sense to me. 

[JoeNamathsFurCoat]

1 hour ago, slats said:

We’re not asking Zach to be our Superman yet. One day we will. And there will be times we need him to be, but now’s not that time.

This is like asking Denzel Mims to be Jerry Rice.

I get having your players' backs and building up their confidence.  But the "Superman" talk has done Wilson a disservice.

Let him focus on the fundamentals of pocket QB play.  Baby steps.

[Warfish]

1 hour ago, slats said:

He hit on a couple points, lol. The way he talks about social media is one of the reasons you don’t see me getting too down on any Jet players, and never piling on unless or until they’re on their way out of town (see: Adams, Jamal). Anyone who doesn’t believe that this stuff can get inside players’ heads only need look as far as Becton’s big bust t-shirt. It’s a thing, and a huge one in the NYC market. 

Not sure I agree.  I don't think any players are here at JN, obsessing over what we plebs say.

The New York Times? The New York Post?  Twitter?  Facebook?

Yeah, some sensitive and juvenile players likely read far too much of all of that, and let it get into their heads.  But players doing that are already wrong-headed and going in a wrong direction frankly IMO.  Sorry, I don't think there is any cause for self-censorship at JN in order to not hurt some players feelings.  JMO.

[65 Toss Power Trap]

2 hours ago, slats said:

They’re not going away.

This is what is most exciting to me. Jets are building a team that will be hunting the playoffs every year for years to come. Breece Hall can get injured, Becton can balloon up to 600 lbs and never be injury free, AVT can go down, Zach might not be the guy, etc; but this team is legit and they will keep plugging in the holes when needed. 

[65 Toss Power Trap]

2 hours ago, slats said:

After the bye this week, the Jets have this tough road: at New England, Chicago, at Minnesota, at Buffalo. Yikes.

 

Chicago is playing better than anyone thought (although we need to win that home game). J Fields is looking special.

We also play at the Dolphins and Seahawks. Tough. 

Lions and Jaguars at Metlife are must wins.

BUT, at NE is the game I want more than any other. 

[More Cowbell]

1 hour ago, rangerous said:

peter king saying positives things about the jets?  the world has truly turned upside down.  hey king, don't even try to climb on the jets bandwagon.

but there are some true observations in this.  huff was in the right spot at the right time and this speaks to the jets who do have some good depth.  huff comes in fresh and beats a tired oline player.  it can't hurt.  but i think the more important thing huff did was injure allen's arm.  he just couldn't seem to pass as well after huff's play.

His arm looked fine on that long pass to Davis. 

[derp]

1 hour ago, The Crusher said:

This winning and this energy of family this team has very well may save Becton's career. Kids taken a lot of negativity, seems to be very sensitive to it, I think this motivates him to get back and be part of it. Oddly, weirdly and almost creepily enough the Jets have an energy that attracts people now. haha, yeah I said it. 

Genuinely curious how free agency goes next year. Couple free agents, some extension eligible dudes…if guys start taking market deals and actually re-signing without fanfare and are happy to be here that’d be pretty cool. Love to pick up the Williams brothers, Huff, etc.

[Ron Rico]

2 hours ago, slats said:

“I read a quote from Bill Parcells,” Robert Saleh said, driving home from MetLife Stadium around 6 p.m. Sunday, after the biggest win of his head-coaching life. “‘In New York, it’s euphoria or disaster.’”

 

They say that these are not the best of times,
But they're the only times I've ever known,
And I believe there is a time for meditation in cathedrals of our own.
Now I have seen that sad surrender in my lover's eyes,
And I can only stand apart and sympathize.
For we are always what our situations hand us...
It's either sadness or euphoria.

So we'll argue and we'll compromise,
And realize that nothing's ever changed,
For all our mutual experience, our separate conclusions are the same.
Now we are forced to recognize our inhumanity,
Our reason co-exists with our insanity.
And though we choose between reality and madness...
It's either sadness or euphoria.

How thoughtlessly we dissipate our energies
Perhaps we don't fulfill each other's fantasies.
And as we stand upon the ledges of our lives,
With our respective similarities...
It's either sadness or euphoria.

[Sonny Werblin]

Apparently, these guys failed to read the Zach sucks threads before their show....

 

[slats]

1 hour ago, Warfish said:Not sure I agree.  I don't think any players are here at JN, obsessing over what we plebs say.

The New York Times? The New York Post?  Twitter?  Facebook?

Yeah, some sensitive and juvenile players likely read far too much of all of that, and let it get into their heads.  But players doing that are already wrong-headed and going in a wrong direction frankly IMO.  Sorry, I don't think there is any cause for self-censorship at JN in order to not hurt some players feelings.  JMO.

Everyone’s gonna do what they’re gonna do, I understand that I’m not changing anyone’s mind. People who need to vent will keep venting. But this is a large fan community, and we’re a part of the noise. What gets said here came from other sources and make their way back out again. I choose to keep my opinions out of it; especially the oft-repeated, emotional opinions that power @Maxman’s huge revenue stream. I’d rather not be a part of it. 

[Embrace the Suck]

[Jethead]

Never been much of a Peter King fan. Don't think he believes a word of what he wrote. He's a certified  Belli-ball licker. 

[Randy Rasmussen]

Yes PK wrote this article in the hopes that the Pats destroy us in NE so he can go back to bashing us.


Sent from my iPhone using JetNation.com mobile app

[slats]

3 minutes ago, Randy Rasmussen said:

Yes PK wrote this article in the hopes that the Pats destroy us in NE so he can go back to bashing us.


Sent from my iPhone using JetNation.com mobile app

Lol, probably. But Saleh is the kind of coach that he would like, one smart enough to quote Parcells at him. 

[DLJ]

This is what solidified my answer about Saleh being a good coach. That convo with Peter King. We have a good one boys

[JetBlue]

4 hours ago, oatmeal said:

Nah,

listen to the cant wait pod

moore snuck out the locker room before the media arrived and the beat seems to be firm on the stance Zach and Moore have 0 chemistry.

Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s moved in the offseason 

 

Dude alot can change over the course of a season.  I am sure Lafluer will try and make some adjustments during the bye week to get him and Mims some looks.  It is in the TEAMS best interest to get production out of both of them but especially Moore.  We have been fortunate so far this season but the games are only going to get tougher and have a guy that talented "frozen" out of the offense is not only stupid but should a firable offense.  We need to utilize every weapon we have and Moore, when use properly, is a weapon.   

[jetsons]

6 hours ago, rangerous said:

peter king saying positives things about the jets?  the world has truly turned upside down.  hey king, don't even try to climb on the jets bandwagon.

but there are some true observations in this.  huff was in the right spot at the right time and this speaks to the jets who do have some good depth.  huff comes in fresh and beats a tired oline player.  it can't hurt.  but i think the more important thing huff did was injure allen's arm.  he just couldn't seem to pass as well after huff's play.

really???... This was the last play of the game... 2 plays after injuring his arm... a 70 yard drop in the bucket.