Cover Zero gets Jets defensive coordinator fired.
Adam Gase thought through the final agonizing moments of the New York Jets’ stunning loss and tried to not make a rash decision.
The coach got a little bit of sleep before he headed to the team’s facility Monday morning — with the same conclusion he had Sunday night: defensive coordinator Gregg Williams had to go.
“I just felt like that was the best thing for our team moving forward,” Gase said during a conference call. “Organizationally, we had a discussion this morning and we felt like this was the best move to make.”
Williams was fired after he inexplicably called for an allout blitz against Las Vegas on Sunday with the Jets seconds away from their first victory. Derek Carr heaved a perfectly placed 46-yard touchdown pass to Henry Ruggs III — who was in manto-man, or Cover Zero, coverage with rookie cornerback Lamar Jackson — with 5 seconds left to lift the Raiders to a 31-28 win.
The decision was highly criticized by fans, media and even his own players. It left the Jets players, who only moments earlier were celebrating what appeared to be a win, in shock on the sideline.
The team announced it had “parted ways” with Williams and assistant head coach/inside linebackers coach Frank Bush would serve as the interim defensive coordinator.
“I obviously wasn’t happy about that call,” a sombersounding Gase said. “That was a heartbreaking way for our guys to lose a game. For that to happen in that situation, it’s just we can’t have that happen.”
Gase said he spoke with CEO Christopher Johnson, GM Joe Douglas and team President Hymie Elhai about what he thought should be done — and they agreed it was right to move on. Gase then told Williams about the decision during a nearly hour-long discussion.
“Obviously, he wasn’t happy,” Gase said. “But, that’s our profession.”
Mac is back ... again
Christian McCaffrey is champing at the bit to get back on the field Sunday against the Broncos after what has been a frustrating season marred by injuries.
The Panthers running back has been sidelined for nine games this season with ankle and shoulder injuries, but is hoping to finish out the season on a positive note with a strong December.
His injury problems arose after he became only the third player in NFL history to post 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season in 2019.
“I feel great,” McCaffrey said of his playing status this week. “I feel really great.”
McCaffrey had a high ankle sprain in Week 2 and missed the next six games, He returned to play against Kansas City on Nov. 8 and ran for 69 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries and caught 10 passes for 82 yards and another score before injuring his shoulder on the final drive of the game. He’s missed the past three games.
In other news, Panthers players were placed on the COVID-19 list, forcing the team to close its practice facility in Charlotte, N.C., until Wednesday.
Still no decision
Doug Pederson isn’t ready to commit to starting Carson Wentz or Jalen Hurts at quarterback.
The Eagles (3-8-1) have lost four in a row and are headed nowhere in the NFC East, even though they’re still within 11⁄ games of the
2 first-place New York Giants (5-7).
Wentz was benched in the second half of a 30-16 loss at Green Bay on Sunday following another subpar performance during the worst season of his five-year career. Hurts provided a spark against a defense that played softer coverage with a 20-point lead.
“I’m still processing a lot of things and going through a lot of things before I make that decision,” Pederson said Monday.
Pederson made it clear he has final say on the decision and he’s not seeking much input.
“This will be my decision,” he said. “I don’t feel like I need to communicate with anybody, players, other coaches. I think it’s just, again, it’s obviously my decision, the opportunity that I have moving forward, and it will solely be up to me.”
Notable
The NFL suspended Titans defensive end Teair Tart and Bengals strong safety Shawn Williams for unnecessarily stepping on opponents last weekend. Both have until mid-week to appeal their suspensions.
Tart’s violation occurred with 8:25 remaining in the second quarter of Tennessee’s game at Cleveland when he stepped on guard Wyatt Teller.
Williams’ infraction took place in the final minute of the first half of Cincinnati’s game at Miami on Sunday when he stepped on guard Solomon Kindley. Williams was ejected following an ensuing fight.
• The Cowboys placed offensive lineman Zack Martin on injured reserve with a calf injury, sidelining the fourtime All-Pro for at least three of the five remaining games.