Buffalo Plus: What They're Saying in NY About Bills vs Jets with Jeane Coakley

Podcast: Buffalo Plus: A Buffalo Bills Podcast
Episode Date: October 9, 2024
Guests: Mike Catalana (Host), Jeane Coakley (Jets Reporter, SNY), Jenna Cottrell and Dan Fetes (Referenced, not present)

Episode Overview

This episode takes a deep dive into the state of the New York Jets following their surprising midseason firing of head coach Robert Saleh and previewing the highly anticipated Monday night matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Featuring special guest Jeane Coakley, who covers the Jets for SNY, the discussion covers the Jets coaching shake-up, Aaron Rodgers’ impact and challenges, offensive woes despite significant talent, the Jets' formidable defense, fan expectations, and how the London trip may affect both teams.

Key Discussion Points

Jets’ Coaching Change: Shock and Implications

• First Time Ever: Owner Woody Johnson made his first-ever in-season coaching change, surprisingly firing Robert Saleh.
  • "This is the first time he's ever fired a coach midseason, ever. I mean, they had Adam Gase and he survived the entire season." – Jeane Coakley [00:00]
• Players and staff were blindsided; news broke through texts and social media rather than team communication.
  • "Players talked today… Thomas Morstead found out from a neighbor texting him. C.J. Mosley was in the building getting treatment… it popped up on his screen.” – Jeane Coakley [01:21]
• Woody Johnson claims the decision was entirely his, not influenced by star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
  • "Woody Johnson said he made this decision on his own...Aaron [Rodgers] says he had nothing to do with it." – Jeane Coakley [02:28]

Aaron Rodgers and Offensive Struggles

• Rodgers’ presence has not yet elevated the Jets' offense, which remains disjointed and underperforming.
  • "They’re two and three, okay? They have not played up to their potential. But…they’re still playing on Monday night against the Bills for first place in the AFC East." – Jeane Coakley [03:58]
• The anticipated connection between Rodgers and WR Garrett Wilson has yet to materialize.
  • "With a guy like Aaron Rodgers, Garrett [Wilson] would completely take off. You're 100% right. I also expected more from Breece Hall and the run game." – Jeane Coakley [05:58]
• The offense lacks creativity and chemistry; the running game, expected to be a focal point, has struggled.
  • "I was told over the summer that this offense was running through Breece Hall…Three yards a carry and their rush game has really struggled." – Jeane Coakley [07:39]
• Offensive line woes and Rodgers’ recovery from Achilles injury are contributing factors; he no longer moves like he used to.
  • "I think he's trying to figure out where he's at because…you can't beat father time, especially in the NFL." – Jeane Coakley [08:47]
• Rodgers’ visible frustration and high standards are part of the challenge.
  • "Guys like that, they want everybody to move up to their standards, as they should. Rodgers knows what it’s like to win. This Jets team doesn’t know what it’s like to win." – Jeane Coakley [10:45]

Coaching Interim: Jeff Ulbrich’s Prospects

• Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich steps in; widely respected by players, known for accountability and directness.
  • "Albert [Ulbrich] is awesome…The players, everybody just loves him and has so much respect for him. But I also think he's the type of guy…he ain’t going to sugarcoat anything." – Jeane Coakley [12:38]
• The move could act as a 'wake-up call' and provide a short-term spark, but the offense remains a significant problem.

The Defense: Strength and Identity

• The defensive backfield, led by Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed, is among the league’s best—teams rarely throw on them.
  • "Sauce is just unbelievable…I mean, Sauce is great in coverage…teams don’t throw on the Jets. I wouldn’t either." – Jeane Coakley [14:05]
• Departure of pass rusher Bryce Huff leaves questions, but interior lineman Quinnen Williams continues to dominate against the run.
  • "Quinnen Williams…brings his hardhat and lunch pail to work every day…he’s crucial to this Jets defense." – Jeane Coakley [16:38]
• Jets D historically gives Josh Allen significant problems.
  • "The Jets are also in his [Allen's] head…I think the way they mix things, disguise things, they know how to play Josh Allen." – Jeane Coakley [18:03]

Expectations vs Reality: Is This the Most Talented Jets Team Ever?

• High expectations from ownership and fans; debate if this is really the best Jets team assembled.
  • "On paper, this is an extremely talented team…But yeah, they're good and they should be better than what they are." – Jeane Coakley [19:35]
• Disconnect between talent and offensive production continues to frustrate.

London Effects & AFC Context

• Both teams recently played in London; fatigue and travel are factors leading into Monday.
  • “I mean, yeah, jet lag and stuff. Like, people are like, oh, jet lag. But these guys just got their butts...their bodies are physically, like just pounded off.” – Jeane Coakley [24:14]
• The AFC is wide open beyond the Chiefs and Ravens; both teams remain very much alive.

Jets Fan Base Mood

• Cautious optimism, high expectations, and typical emotional swings.
  • "Jets fans…you win, you're going to the Super Bowl. If you lose…fire everybody. This is it…Jets being the Jets." – Jeane Coakley [25:24]

The Bills: Offensive Concerns and Injuries

• Josh Allen is banged up; offense has sputtered recently.
  • "He’s beaten up…There was a lot of thought that he had a concussion. I don’t believe he did…He’s gotten beaten up the last two weeks." – Mike Catalana [27:13]
• WR group under scrutiny; trade discussions for Davante Adams arise, but value and need are questioned.
  • "The Devonte Adams thing is interesting because I think the Bills may look…he would be the best wide receiver on the Bills…But I honestly would be surprised if the Jets don't do it." – Mike Catalana [28:05]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Coaching Change:

  • “This is the first time he's ever fired a coach midseason, ever.” — Jeane Coakley [00:00]
  • “Woody Johnson said he made this decision on his own…Aaron says he had nothing to do with it. So I truly think Woody just made the decision. We're moving on.” — Jeane Coakley [02:28]

• On Rodgers’ Influence and Frustration:

  • “I’ve watched him play for the Packers. It seems to be more of that [frustration] than we had seen previously.” — Mike Catalana [09:47]
  • “Rodgers knows what it’s like to win. This jets team doesn’t know what it’s like to win…you also have to let these kids…learn how to be a winner.” — Jeane Coakley [10:45]

• On the Jets Defense:

  • “Sauce is great in coverage…if I had Sauce…teams don’t throw on the Jets.” — Jeane Coakley [14:05]

• On Jets Having Allen’s Number:

  • “The Jets are also in his head…they know how to play Josh Allen.” — Jeane Coakley [18:03]

• On Fan Mentality:

  • “Jets fans are…you win, you're going to the Super Bowl. If you lose…fire everybody. This is it…Jets being the Jets.” — Jeane Coakley [25:24]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Jets Fire Head Coach – Shock and Reaction: 00:00 – 03:08
• Aaron Rodgers’ Role, Offensive Issues: 03:08 – 08:47
• Rodgers’ Frustration and Standards: 08:47 – 11:54
• Ulbrich as Interim and Coaching Impact: 11:54 – 13:44
• Jets’ Defensive Excellence: 13:44 – 16:38
• Quinnen Williams/Losses on Defense: 16:38 – 18:03
• Jets’ Defensive Success vs Josh Allen: 18:03 – 19:35
• Team Talent and Offensive Struggles: 19:35 – 22:50
• London Trip Effects/Team Fatigue: 22:50 – 24:31
• Jets Fan Base Reaction and AFC Context: 24:31 – 27:00
• Bills Update: Allen’s Health, WRs, Injuries: 27:00 – 29:43

Tone & Atmosphere

The tone is conversational but frank. Jeane Coakley offers candid insights, balancing optimism for the Jets' talent with realism about their challenges. The hosts inject humor and Buffalo perspectives, notably on fan attitudes and AFC East rivalries. The conversation is informed, pulling from personal relationships and years of covering both teams.

Conclusion

This episode paints a vivid, up-to-date picture of the Jets' rollercoaster season—surprised by a historic coaching change, grappling with a still-uncertain offense despite an all-world defense and a future Hall-of-Fame QB who is still adapting. The episode is rich with context for Monday’s crucial Bills-Jets game, detailing not only the on-field matchups but also the psyche of both franchises and their fan bases.