Robert Saleh confident his retooled Jets are better this season
Jets head coach Robert Saleh during Jets OTAs on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, N.J. Credit: Noah K. Murray
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Robert Saleh isn’t ready to say the Jets will end their 11-year playoff drought, but he’s confident that they are on the rise.
“We’re better,” Saleh said. “I know we’re going to be better.”
The Jets went 4-13 in Saleh’s first season as a coach, doubling their win total from the previous year. At the end of the season, Saleh said the Jets needed to close the gap in the division. The Jets, who are 0-12 against AFC East teams the past two years, hope they have done that.
It’s been a good offseason for the Jets. Although they weren’t able to land a standout receiver — despite GM Joe Douglas’ efforts to acquire Tyreek Hill and Deebo Samuel — the Jets filled needs and upgraded nearly every position.
The Jets addressed the offensive and defensive lines, wide receiver, tight end and running back, and added some playmakers in the secondary in free agency and the draft. These additions have raised the energy and optimism levels around their building.
“We’re young,” Saleh said. “We’re a year older. We brought in some really cool pieces, a lot of guys who stand for the right stuff, who live and breathe football. Now it’s just a matter of trying to gain that continuity and confidence.”
Contract can wait
Fourth-year defensive lineman Quinnen Williams is eligible for a contract extension. But he’s not pushing for a new deal the way some members of his draft class have. The Jets picked up Williams’ fifth-year option for 2023. He’s confident the money will be there.
“I just believe contract is going to handle itself, money is going to handle itself,” Williams said. “I play this game for the love of the game first and foremost. So money is not a big thing on my heart and on my mind right now. I just want to be the best football player on the field that I can be.”
Proud papa
Mekhi Becton is not at the voluntary OTAs, which was expected. He remains in Dallas, where he became a father for the first time over the weekend. Becton and his fiancée had a boy. They named him Mekhi Becton, Jr.
“They just had their baby so he’s obviously tending to that, which is far more important,” Saleh said.
Ruckert rehabbing
Rookie tight end Jeremy Ruckert is not taking part in team drills yet because of a foot injury. The Lindenhurst product is on the field working with strength and conditioning coaches.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
