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The NFL believes panic within the Jets' organization played a role in the firing of Robert Saleh

The NFL believes panic within the Jets' organization played a role in the firing of Robert Saleh

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The New York Jets After two straight losses, there were profound changes in the coaching staff this week that highlighted how deep the cracks in the team's offense really are.

In a loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4, the Jets managed just three field goals. Aaron Rodgers was sacked five times and scored 14 times, and New York had 13 penalties. That was followed by another poor performance on Sunday with a loss to former quarterback Sam Darnold and the undefeated Minnesota Vikings in London.

Aaron Rodgers throws

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, #8, throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Days later, owner Woody Johnson fired head coach Robert Saleh, and by Thursday, interim coach and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich had decided that Nathaniel Hackett would be relieved of his calling duties as offensive coordinator.

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The motivation behind the changes appears to be a chance to get the Jets' offense back on track and make them the Super Bowl contenders they were once predicted to be.

But was that the right call?

Pro Football Hall of Famer and Green Bay Packers Legend LeRoy Butler would seemingly disagree.

“They panicked. The owner panicked,” Butler said in an interview with Fox News Digital on Thursday. “Firing him was a conundrum because defense is not the problem – offense is the problem. So I think saying 'We could get Davante Adams' made the fan base feel like, 'Okay, if we can upset Minnesota.' and get Davante, oh we're on the right track.'”

Robert Saleh and Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh (left) speaks as Jets number 8 Aaron Rodgers leaves the field during the first half as the Denver Broncos defeated the New York Jets 10-9 at MetLife Stadium. (Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

NATHANIEL HACKETT, JETS OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR, REMOVES PLAY DUTIES AS CALM CONTINUES

Despite back-to-back losses and the noise surrounding the organization, Butler argued that the Jets aren't out yet. A victory over the Buffalo Bills at home on Monday night would give New York first place in the AFC East.

“This division is not (unwinnable) – they could beat Buffalo and be in first place. Why are you panicking now?”

Butler speculated that the loss to Minnesota might have been the final straw for Johnson. He also speculated about Rodgers' role in Saleh's departure – rumors he called “patently false.”

“No player is smarter than the coaches. Nobody,” Butler told Fox News Digital. “I advocate for teachers. I wouldn’t be here without my teachers.”

Part-time work of Robert Saleh

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh looks on during the first half against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium. (Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)

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This week's changes will put new pressure on the Jets in primetime football on Monday.

Passing game coordinator Todd Downing will take over the game management as Ulbrich takes over the sidelines for the first time as an NFL head coach.

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