The Athletic Article Shines Disturbing Light on New York Jets Fiasco
It was just an ordinary last day of January until it wasn’t. At least if you are the New York Jets.
A bombshell story was published by the Athletic that details the grim nature of dysfunction that has enveloped One Jets Drive throughout a bitterly disappointing 2023 season, with particular focus on Head Coach Robert Saleh, Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hacket, and quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Zach Wilson.
Put together in great detail by Dianna Russini and Zach Rosenblatt, who sought and received confidential reports from 30 different sources, the picture that is painted about the Jets is not good.
It is a follow-up to the story that Russini and Rosenblatt published back in December that details Zach Wilson’s reluctance to return to the lineup for fear of injury after he was benched. This time the story is expanded with some plot lines we have heard of before, and others that were jaw-dropping.
The article states: “Publicly, Saleh avoided criticizing Zach Wilson or even acknowledging his struggles. Privately, the coach pinned many of the teams offensive issues on Wilson, the line and the receivers and told people getting to eight wins with Wilson at quarterback would be a ‘miracle.'”
Later on when describing Saleh’s reaction to The Athletic’s story in December, the normally mild-mannered coach grew insecure, targeting the cell phones of his staff for fear of a leak.
“The coach held a meeting with his staff two days later when he asked the leaker to reveal himself, according to multiple people in attendance. “If you come forward now, you won’t get in trouble,” he told them while threatening to take their cell phones.”
Nathaniel Hackett
Moreover, the article describes Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as lacking “attention to detail,” and getting with his staff only until the “last minute of game prep.”
Zach Wilson and Aaron Rodgers:
The report also details that Wilson and Rodgers relationship deteriorated over time, as the former number 2 overall pick was upset with Saleh over his praise of the veteran Rodgers. Moreover, the article claims that Wilson and Rodgers didn’t communicate as often as many thought.
Changes
Aside from the story, the Jets have been busy making changes to their coaching staff, hiring former Titans running backs coach Tony Dews and former Panthers receivers coach Rex Hogan. The team also parted ways with Assistant GM Rex Hogan — a move that reportedly was not related to this story.
RELATED: Flying high, Jets see huge fanbase growth for 2023-2024 season
