Jeff Ulbrich Shakes Up Jets Offense, Downing Takes Over Play \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich made his first major move by replacing Nathaniel Hackett with Todd Downing as the New York Jets’ offensive play caller. The shift comes as the Jets prepare for a crucial matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Monday. Aaron Rodgers expressed support for the decision, though Hackett remains on staff. The change aims to revitalize an offense that has struggled under Hackett, ranking 27th overall in the NFL. Ulbrich, who took over after Robert Saleh’s firing, emphasized the need for a fresh approach.
Ulbrich Shakes Up Jets Offense: Quick Looks
- Play Calling Change: Todd Downing replaces Nathaniel Hackett as the Jets’ offensive play caller.
- Ulbrich’s First Move: Ulbrich, the interim coach, seeks a new offensive approach after taking over from Robert Saleh.
- Rodgers Backs Move: Aaron Rodgers supports the decision despite his close relationship with Hackett.
- Jets Offense Struggles: The team ranks 27th in offense and last in rushing, prompting the coaching shift.
- Key Injuries: Rodgers is limited in practice but expected to play against the Bills, while several other players remain questionable.
Deep Look:
In a bold move to address the New York Jets’ offensive struggles, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich announced Thursday that Todd Downing will take over play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. This decision comes as the Jets prepare for a pivotal Monday night showdown with the Buffalo Bills, a matchup that could tie the two teams for first place in the AFC East.
Ulbrich, who took the reins as head coach after the surprising firing of Robert Saleh, said the decision wasn’t easy, but he believes a “fresh approach” is needed to jumpstart the Jets’ offense. Despite the coaching change, Hackett will remain with the team, keeping his offensive coordinator title, although his role is now undefined.
Ulbrich Seeks a Fresh Perspective
“After a lot of time to think about it, and I did not make this decision easily by any means, I’m going to make Todd Downing the play caller for the New York Jets moving forward,” Ulbrich explained during Thursday’s press conference. He added that this decision reflects a different perspective on how to run the offense, not necessarily a better one, but one that offers new possibilities.
Nathaniel Hackett, who has been close to quarterback Aaron Rodgers since their time together in Green Bay, faced criticism as the Jets offense appeared conservative and predictable in recent weeks. The team has been inconsistent, and despite Rodgers’ veteran presence, the offense struggled to find its rhythm, ranking 27th overall in the league and last in rushing. The offensive shortcomings were a key factor in Ulbrich’s decision to make the change ahead of the crucial Bills game.
Rodgers Supports the Move
Although Hackett is a close friend of Rodgers, the quarterback supported Ulbrich’s decision. Rodgers acknowledged his own underperformance and took responsibility for the team’s offensive woes. “I take that very personally,” he said. “I have the ball in my hands every play. So, obviously, it’s been on my mind with a heavy heart for the last few days, for sure.”
Rodgers also admitted that he knew changes were coming after Saleh was dismissed, saying he had spoken to Ulbrich in the days leading up to the decision. “I told him I’d back him up whatever he decided,” Rodgers said.
Hackett’s Reduced Role and Team Dynamics
Hackett, who helped Rodgers win two of his four NFL MVP awards during their time in Green Bay, was hired by the Jets in 2023 to replace Mike LaFleur. Rodgers was later traded to the Jets, reuniting with Hackett. Despite their close relationship, Hackett’s performance has been under heavy scrutiny from both fans and media. Reports surfaced suggesting that Saleh had been considering demoting Hackett before his own firing.
Ulbrich made it clear that Hackett will remain part of the team in some capacity, though his exact role moving forward is undefined. Meanwhile, Downing, the Jets’ passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, steps into his new role with a clear mandate to shake up the offense.
Todd Downing’s Offensive Philosophy
Downing, who joined the Jets’ coaching staff last year, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has previously served as an offensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders in 2017 and the Tennessee Titans from 2021 to 2022. Ulbrich praised Downing’s work with Tennessee, where the team was known for its aggressive, physical play.
“For every Tennessee offense that I ever went against when Todd was the play caller, they were tough, they were ruthless, they finished, they ran the ball,” Ulbrich said. “They played on their terms. And there’s definitely a style that appealed to me in that way.”
Downing’s emphasis on a strong running game could be just what the Jets need to revitalize an offense that has struggled to establish the ground game. Despite featuring talented running backs, the Jets rank last in the NFL in rushing, a key area Downing will need to improve if New York hopes to compete in the AFC East.
Injuries and Challenges Ahead
As the Jets prepare for their Monday night clash with the Buffalo Bills, several players remain on the injury list. Rodgers, who has been dealing with an ankle injury, was limited in practice but is expected to play. “A little banged up,” Rodgers said, but he added that he feels much better after several days of intensive rehab.
Other key players dealing with injuries include cornerback Michael Carter II (back), tight end Tyler Conklin (hip), and right tackle Morgan Moses (knee), all of whom were limited in practice. Linebacker C.J. Mosley (toe) has missed three games but could return against Buffalo. Defensive tackle Leki Fotu (hamstring), currently on injured reserve, practiced fully and could also make a return.
Looking Ahead to the Bills Showdown
With the Jets needing a win to tie the Bills for first place in the AFC East, the team’s offensive turnaround will be critical. Ulbrich emphasized the importance of playing with confidence and aggressiveness. “We’ve got to be assertive. We’ve got to play with confidence. We’ve got to run off the ball. We’ve got to play on our terms,” he said.
The showdown against Buffalo presents an opportunity for the Jets to prove themselves and for Downing to show what his revamped offensive approach can achieve. With Ulbrich infusing his energetic and straight-talking style into both sides of the ball, the team hopes to see a marked improvement in their performance under the bright lights of Monday Night Football.
Jeff Ulbrich Jeff Ulbrich
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