Jets coach Robert Saleh: Pass rush must get better
Carl Lawson of the Jets defends during the first quarter against the Ravens at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 11. Credit: Jim McIsaac
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Robert Saleh wants more pressure.
The Jets head coach, who climbed the NFL ranks with his work on the defensive side of the ball, isn’t happy with his team’s lack of a pass rush. The defensive line was supposed to be a strength of the Jets. In the first two games, they have just three sacks and nine quarterback hits.
“It’s got to be better,” Saleh said. “We all think that it’s got to be better. … When we get our opportunities for one-on-ones we got to win. We got to keep the quarterback in the pocket. We’ve got to be able to rush as a unit. It hasn’t been bad. We just want more.”
Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson threw three touchdown passes in Week 1 and Cleveland’s Jacoby Brissett completed 81.4 percent of his passes last Sunday. Neither faced much pressure.
The Jets host the Bengals this week. They’ve allowed a league-high 13 sacks. The Jets could right their wrongs against Cincinnati’s offensive line. If not, Joe Burrow could pick the Jets apart.
“I’m D-Line driven,” Saleh said. “To whom much is given much is required. So just expecting a little more out of that group.”
Rookie’s rewards
Garrett Wilson has the two footballs he caught on Sunday for his first NFL touchdown and the game-winning score. They’re in his basement and will eventually be put on shelves. The rookie receiver also received hundreds of texts messages after his eight-catch, 102-yard game against Cleveland.
“I probably won’t look at all of them ever,” Wilson said, “but I appreciate all the support.”
Special Mann
Punter Braden Mann was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Mann successfully executed the game-changing onside kick on Sunday, threw a 17-yard completion on a fake punt and two of his four punts were spotted inside the 20.
Mangold immortalized
Seven-time Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold, who will go into the Jets’ Ring of Honor on Sunday, hopes MetLife Stadium “is rocking” after last week’s win.
Mangold said around 120 people will be there to support him for his special moment. He called it “fantastic” and “really humbling when you have that many people who take time out of their schedule.”
As his big day has drawn near, Mangold realized “what it means and what it means for the family, for legacy and whatnot. It’s really special and something I’m pretty excited about.”
Two-minute drill
John Franklin-Myers (toe/quad) didn’t practice but Saleh said it’s “not concerning.” Quinnen Williams (foot), C.J Uzomah (hamstring) and Jordan Whitehead (calf) were limited. … Practice squad move: the Jets signed offensive lineman Adam Pankey and released offensive lineman Chris Glaser.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
