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Robert Saleh, head coach of the New York Jets, has issued a strong response to recent criticism from Liam Coen, after the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach took aim at Saleh’s handling of the Jets’ defense. Despite the sharp words from Coen, Saleh made it clear that he’s focused on the job at hand and isn’t distracted by outside opinions.
“I don’t pay attention to the noise,” Saleh said firmly. “We do what’s best for our team, and I stand by my beliefs and my approach. People are going to criticize, but at the end of the day, it’s about what we’re doing in that locker room and how we’re preparing. I’m not concerned with outside opinions.”
Saleh’s remarks come after Coen’s pointed critique, suggesting that Saleh’s defensive schemes have led to inefficiencies. However, Saleh is standing firm in his methods and his focus on the long-term goals for the Jets.
Saleh’s Perspective: ‘We’re Focused on Ourselves, Not the Criticism’
When asked about Coen’s comments, Saleh didn’t hold back, emphasizing that the Jets’ work ethic and preparation are what truly matter. “We’re focused on ourselves and our process,” Saleh explained. “We’re doing everything we can to improve, and we’ll take care of business on our end. Criticism comes with the territory, but that doesn’t change how we approach things. We’ve got our eyes on the bigger picture.”
Leadership and Accountability: ‘I’ll Take Responsibility for Our Team’
While Saleh stood by his coaching methods, he also reiterated the importance of taking accountability. “If there’s anything that needs fixing, I’m the one to take responsibility,” he said. “But I believe in what we’re doing, and I believe in my players. We’re all pushing in the same direction. I’m not going to get distracted by anyone else’s opinion. My job is to make sure this team is ready to compete every single week.”
Looking Ahead: ‘We’ll Prove Ourselves on the Field’
As the Jets continue their season, Saleh is determined to keep his focus on team development. “The best way to prove ourselves is on the field,” he said. “I’m not worried about what anyone else says. We’ll handle business and keep moving forward. That’s where my energy is going.”
Saleh’s no-nonsense approach sends a clear message to critics and fans alike: the Jets’ head coach is steadfast in his methods and is focused on leading his team through every challenge ahead.
Commanders’ Defensive Line Depleted After Injury to Javontae Jean-Baptiste
When a player goes down, you might not have a backup who fits into the same mold, where you can simply plug him in and play him.
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn was asked about this on Wednesday.
Quinn acknowledged there is adapting that does have to take place.
“Yes, you do want to, not one size fits all into that,” said. “So, when you know somebody’s featured in a different role or a different spot, it’s not just add water and the same result will take place. So, you may have to do things a little bit differently.”
For instance, we have already seen the Commanders don’t have a running back who is nearly as much of a threat as a receiver as Austin Ekeler was before his season-ending Achilles injury. On the other hand, although Marcus Mariota is not Jayden Daniels, Mariota did display poise in running the offense and stepping up to make all sorts of throws in the pocket during his two weeks of action, substituting for Daniels.
Having lost defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste with a torn pectoral muscle against the Falcons, Quinn was asked about losing him. The significance of losing Jean-Baptiste is that he was not the starter to begin the season. The starter was new Commander and former Patriot Deatrich Wise. But Wise went down in the Week 2 loss to the Packers when he was rolled up under, tearing a quadriceps muscle, ending his 2025 season.
“So, with Javontae in his case, we signed Preston [Smith] a few weeks back. And so as he’s progressing, there would be some snaps that would go his way.” Jean Baptiste was drafted by Washington in the 7th round (222) of the 2024 draft, after playing his final college season at Notre Dame. He did not play against the Giants, but did see action against the Packers, and he started against the Raiders and Falcons. In his three games, he was in on six tackles, a QB sack, a QB hit, and one tackle for a loss.
Coming in for Jean-Baptiste will be Preston Smith, a veteran, who will turn 33 in November. Smith was drafted 38th overall by Washington in the 2015 NFL Draft. In his four seasons with the Redskins, he contributed 24.5 QB sacks, 29 tackles for a loss and 59 QB hits. He also intercepted four passes for 51 return yards.
The defensive ends for the Commanders are now Dorance Armstrong, Jalyn Holmes, Jacob Martin, Smith and Von Miller (listed as a linebacker). There is T.J. Maguranyanga on the practice squad; however, he is only 222 pounds and an inexperienced International player. So look for the Commanders to be looking to sign a defensive end to their practice squad.