Printable Page
12/15 14:50 CST Aaron Glenn shakes up Jets defense in season marked by
uncomfortable decisions in 1st year as coach
Aaron Glenn shakes up Jets defense in season marked by uncomfortable decisions
in 1st year as coach
By DENNIS WASZAK Jr.
AP Pro Football Writer
Aaron Glenn has had quite the crash course in adversity, change and
uncomfortable decisions in his first year as the New York Jets coach.
He fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks on Monday, a day after the Jets were
blown out 48-20 in Jacksonville. It was just the latest in a season filled with
lousy performances by the defense.
Glenn, who shoulders the blame for the team's overall performance, had defended
Wilks through the struggles, even as New York was missing tackles, allowing
opposing runners to slice through the defense and failing to come up with any
interceptions this season --- tying an NFL record for futility for a 14-game
stretch.
But Glenn considered the big picture and changed his mind late Sunday night,
making the call that seemed inevitable.
"I'm going to make the decision that's best for this organization at all
times," the coach said. "And it's my job to make sure I continue to evaluate
everything that's going on. And I told you guys that, and that's my job as the
head coach. And I just thought this was the time for me to make that decision."
It was similar to his choice last month to send Justin Fields to the bench in
favor of Tyrod Taylor, despite weeks of talking up the quarterback as the
offense sagged and insisting Fields was doing everything that was asked.
Except for playing well and winning.
And in a season that began with seven straight losses, saw two of its best
players, Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, get traded and stands at 3-11 with
three games left, Glenn has --- eventually --- been trying to pivot and adapt.
It's something he has talked about learning while a player for Bill Parcells
with the Jets, and as an assistant coach in New Orleans and Detroit. Glenn has
seen fortunes change for franchises, and insists it can and will happen in New
York under his watch.
Glenn, who has had confrontations with reporters at times, knows he has a long
way to go as a head coach, and his shortcomings on some in-game decisions are
proof. But he also has been showing that he's not afraid to change things up as
the Jets soon head into an offseason that likely will shape the franchise for
years to come.
"I want to see the culture of this football team in these last three games and
that is what we are evaluating also," Glenn said. "Listen, I don't think we
have a culture problem. But the thing is, I want to make sure the things that
we've been building up to this point stays exactly where it is and even
improves."
What's working Not much. There's a reason the Jets are 3-11 and have parted ways with their defensive coordinator. New York's special teams unit has been mostly solid all season, but it's an ominous sign when your kicker and punter are among the team's only true MVPs. What needs help See above. New York has plenty of holes right now and there are lots of questions on defense. The Jets also have uncertainty at quarterback, with undrafted rookie Brady Cook coming off an uneven performance during which he was 22 of 33 for 176 yards and one touchdown with three interceptions. Glenn said Monday he would take the next few days to evaluate everything before deciding if Cook would start again, or if Taylor or Fields will be able to come back from injury to return under center. Stock up RB Isaiah Davis. The backup to Breece Hall scored his first touchdown of the season Sunday, a nice 24-yard run. Davis finished with a team-leading 58 yards on nine carries, good for a 6.4-yard average, and had a 7-yard catch. Stock down Edge rushers Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson. Expected to provide a boost to the Jets' pass rush, both have only shown flashes this season. McDonald has a team-leading seven sacks, but none in the last five games after he had four against Cleveland. Johnson, who has three sacks in his return from a torn Achilles tendon last season, had no quarterback pressures on 18 pass rushes against Jacksonville, according to Next Gen Stats. Injuries Glenn said Johnson was dealing with a neck ailment during the game but is expected to be fine. ... S Tony Adams (groin), S Isaiah Oliver (knee), DE Eric Watts (concussion) left with injuries. ... Taylor (groin) and Fields (knee) will be evaluated through the week. Key number 0 --- The Jets are still waiting for their first interception. If they don't get one in their next game, they would break a tie with the San Francisco 49ers for the longest overall drought. Next steps The Jets head to New Orleans to take on a Saints team on Sunday in a game that could go a long way in determining the NFL draft order in April. New York currently holds the No. 5 pick, according to Tankathon, while New Orleans (4-10) has won two in a row and is at No. 7. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL |
