Robert Saleh Speaks to Media at League Meeting

Robert Saleh also channeled the ghost of Al Davis, basically saying, “Just win baby.” According to Zack Rosenblat of The Athletic Saleh said, “…he will be (better). When you lose, you’re a loser. I suck, Joe D sucks, we all suck…” (about Nathaniel Hackett) and “We gotta win football games,” about what they learned from last season. He also said that they believe in the young players to step up and be quality backups in case of injuries. He was, of course, alluding to Max Mitchell and Carter Warren.

There’s nothing spectacular there, and actually what should be expected from Saleh.

The thoughts on Warren and Mitchell are telling. The Jets clearly believe they have a future as bookend tackles (at least backups for now) in the NFL. Frankly, they should believe in them and give them a chance to grow in this offseason. Yes, it’s a win-now offseason, but they can also build for the future so the cupboard isn’t bare (or close to it) too. They need another veteran backup just in case, but they should also see where the two are in their growth.

Saleh also refused to take answers on Jadaveon Clowney and Zach Wilson, deferring to Joe Douglas. That’s acceptable.

He also addressed the two players coming off major injuries. According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, Robert Saleh said the following

What he said about Alijah Vera-Tucker and Aaron Rodgers wasn’t surprising. Mike Williams being on the same timeline as Breece Hall is great news because he will likely be ready for Week 1. Also, his limited necessary role means a pitch count was already going to be in the cards.

Ultimately, there was a lot of coach-speak in the discussion at the league meeting. Robert Saleh is who he is when talking to the media. He always tries to be open and honest while also not being too much of an open book.

As Saleh said, there’s still a lot of work to do on the roster. That said, it is very telling that the organization is building belief in the young players, which has been missing for a long time.

Where do the Jets stand for 2024? Only time will tell us that answer. Saleh believes in the team, though, and he believes in the direction the franchise is headed. It’s put up or shut up time for the Jets in 2024.