Jets coach Robert Saleh does not believe frustration is becoming a problem for his team.
Several players were visibly upset on the sideline Sunday, including wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Michael Carter.
There was also some palpable frustration in the postgame locker room after the 15-10 loss to the Patriots.
But Saleh said the media was creating drama.
“As far as the frustration thing, guys that’s your narrative,” Saleh said to reporters. “Our guys are fighting. They’re just trying to find answers. They’re trying to find ways to get production for the offense so we can move the ball and score points. That’s where their hearts are. As long as their hearts are in the right spot … because I’ve also been around players where they really don’t give a flying whatever. They just want the ball. These guys want to win, and they want to help win. If that shows as a demonstrative frustration to you guys, it’s not taken that way here.”
Saleh pinned any signs of frustration on his players wanting to win.
“Anytime you’re not feeling success, you’re going to have a little frustration because guys, they’re competitors,” he said. “Garrett Wilson is not the first nor the last receiver in the NFL to want the ball — news flash for the world out there. They all want the ball. They all feel like they’re deserving of the ball. If he didn’t want the ball, I’d question whether or not he’s worth a damn. The guy wants the ball. He’s going to challenge and fight to get every ball, no different than any receiver in football, period. I want that from him.”
WR Randall Cobb on how close he was to catching the Hail Mary pass on the final play of the game: “I got my fingertips on it. When it got batted down, it bounced off of Garrett’s shoulder pads. I was reacting to right before it hit his shoulder pads. When it hit his shoulder pads, it ricocheted the other way. I rolled my ankle while reaching for it. It just happened so fast. There was an opportunity there. It would have been a hell of a play.”
Saleh was asked if he is worried that MetLife Stadium could get ugly Sunday night against the Chiefs if the offense continues to struggle.
“I can’t control that one,” he said.
The Jets defense allowed just 13 points in the loss to the Patriots, but the defensive players felt they did not play up to their standard.
“I thought we played solid but not good enough to win,” cornerback D.J. Reed said. “I think as a defense you want to generate turnovers, and I feel like we didn’t do that … so we have to be better.”
