Robert Saleh downplays Jets' communication breakdowns on defense
Head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets looks on during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Sep. 25, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Robert Saleh understands D.J. Reed’s frustration, but the Jets coach doesn’t feel the communication breakdowns, particularly in the secondary, are a major concern.
Reed called it “unacceptable” following Sunday’s 27-12 loss to Cincinnati. Breakdowns have led to receivers being wide-open for touchdowns in each of the first three games. Reed said the entire defense and coaches should meet to hash things out, so the mistakes don’t continue.
Saleh said the communication in the secondary where the Jets have four new starters has been better than expected and it will improve.
“All 32 teams, there’s going to be six or seven miscommunications a game,” Saleh said. “It is what it is. There’s been a lot of different things happening. We’ve been unlucky on two occasions. It’s throughout all 32 teams. Now, players feel things. What he’s feeling is there’s four new faces in the back end and the communication is not at the level we need in terms of how we talk to each other on the field.
“That’s going to get better and better as the weeks go by as far as understanding how we’re going to play things, just being in the meeting rooms and talking through certain route concepts. We’re a lot better than we were a year ago and we’re only going to get better as the year goes on. They’re communicating actually pretty good from what you would expect out of four news guys. I expect it’s going to be a lot better.”
Quincy injury update
Linebacker Quincy Williams, who was carted off the field Sunday, avoided serious injury. X-rays on his ankle were negative. Williams will miss time, though with a high-ankle sprain.
“Quincy dodged a bullet,” Saleh said. “It’s going to be a week-to-week thing with him.”
Fant possibly sidelined?
Left tackle George Fant may miss Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh with a recurring knee issue that appears to have worsened.
Fant had offseason knee surgery and has been held out of practices for extra rest. He left Sunday’s game because of the knee. Saleh wouldn’t rule out Fant sitting out this week.
“It could very well lead to that,” Saleh said.
The offensive line, which has struggled in protection, already is without tackles Mekhi Becton (season-ending knee surgery) and Duane Brown (IR with shoulder injury). Rookie Max Mitchell has been starting at right tackle and Conor McDermott likely would start on the other side.
“You’re down to your fourth and fifth guys,” Saleh said. “At this point in the season, you don’t anticipate that.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
