Saleh Fired After Loss To Vikings
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Shara Talia Taylor
London England – It was a close game in the end as the New York Jets were only one touchdown and an extra point away from a win in London in front of international fans, but the Minnesota Vikings took the hope away in the last minute with an interception and Gang Green lost 23-17.
New York’s quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ pass to wide receiver Mike Williams, who was about 10 yards from the goal, was picked off by Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore leaving only 44 seconds in the game. It was one of three interceptions uncharacteristically thrown by Rodgers and this in addition to missing protection of the quarterback, a slow start on both sides of the ball, and injuries all contributed to the Jets’ loss. “Obviously we’d like it to be a lot better, but it’s early and we’ve got a long way to go,” said Jets Coach Robert Saleh.
New York knew the challenge at hand facing Minnesota, an undefeated team this season led by quarterback Sam Darnold, who the Jets had selected as the 3rd overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft.
(CB) Sauce Gardner said at Friday’s press conference at Hanbury Manor that he had been watching films of Darnold to compare him then and now. “I always respect my opponent,” he said. “You always have to prepare for them no matter who’s out there.”
Defense talked about being prepared for Darnold on Friday. “You’ve got Sam Darnold who is playing at an MVP level,” said defensive lineman Quinnen Williams following their practice. “They can pass the ball at a high level. We just got to go out there and play our game.”
The Jet’s defense allowed one field goal in the first quarter on Sunday, but moved into a better rhythm sooner than offense. Defensive end Will McDonald IV sacked Donald about halfway into the first quarter. Darnold fumbled with 3:22 minutes remaining in the quarter and the ball was recovered by linebacker Quincy Williams. New York’s defense held the Vikings at bay, keeping them from scoring in the third quarter and only allowed room for Vikings’ kicker Will Reichard to make two field goals in the fourth quarter.
Gardner left the game in the third quarter to be evaluated for a head injury after colliding with Williams (Quincy), but Coach Saleh said he was fine after the game. “A couple of plays that I think they all want back and a couple opportunities to get a couple more takeaways especially in the pass game, but overall, it was a good game from the defense,” Saleh said.
The Jets’ defense was without linebackers C.J. Mosley and Jermaine Johnson, both injured against the Tennessee Titans.
New York’s defense, in total, had one fumble recovery and made four sacks and 55 combined tackles and assists by the end of the game. Minnesota’s defense made three sacks, had 53 combined tackles and assists and forced one fumble. The Vikings defense had a pick six in the first quarter after outside Andrew Van Ginkel intercepted Rodger’s pass as he quickly tried to get it out of his hands.
“Obviously that was below my standard,” Rodgers said. “I just found out I’ve never thrown two picks in the first quarter before; so that’s a first.”
Rodgers completed 29-of-54 passes for 244 yards and threw two touchdowns in the game. Darnold completed 14 of 31 passes for 179 yards and did not throw a touchdown. He threw one pass that was intercepted by cornerback Brandin Echols. Both Rodgers and Darnold left the game briefly after tough hits, but both returned to the game.
There was some missing protection for Rodgers. He was hit 11 times by the Vikings’ defense. Offensive lineman Morgan Moses was also inactive. “He’s a fantastic player, and his personality is so infectious for us,” Rodgers said about Morgan’s absence. “I’ll have to look at the film, but I have a lot of confidence in offensive lineman Olu Olumuyiwa Fashanu playing left side or right side at any point this season.”
Rodgers passed to wide reciever Allen Lazard for the Jets first touchdown of the game at the end of the second quarter. Kicker Greg Zuerlein kicked a field goal in the third quarter. Rodgers threw to wide receiver Garrett Wilson for a touchdown with 6:10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter
Vikings remained undefeated at 5-0 following the game. Rodgers became the 9th QB in NFL history to reach 60,000 career passing yards during the game. Tuesday morning that the Jets parted ways with Head Coach Robert Saleh. The Jets next take on the Buffalo Bills Oct. 14th at MetLife Stadium.
Recent Comments