Sign of times: Jets defense out to eliminate explosive plays

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. » Jeff Ulbrich walked into his office on his first day as the New York Jets’ defensive coordinator and found a handmade sign on display waiting for him.

It simply read in bold letters written in black marker: “ELIMINATE EXPLOSIVES!!”

The crude artwork was created by Robert Saleh seven years ago when he was the linebackers coach at Jacksonville under Gus Bradley.

“We were talking about certain concepts and we made a decision like, ‘All right, let’s make the decision that’s going to eliminate the explosive (plays),’” Saleh recalled Friday. “It was just one of those deals as a coach, you’re frustrated like, ‘Why are we here until 1 in the morning?’ We can eliminate so much discussion if we just focus on eliminating the explosives.

“So, I made this little cheesy old sign that I’ve had with me since 2014 and passed it on to (Ulbrich).”

Saleh drew it up himself, writing out the phrase that serves as a reminder of the Jets’ weekly mission on defense.

“It’s got little bombs on it and everything,” a grinning Saleh said. “It’s a cool little sign. It’s in his office.”

For Saleh and Ulbrich, an explosive play means any pass over 16 yards and any run over 12.

“That’s definitely where we all land,” Ulbrich said.

In New York’s 19-14 loss at Carolina last Sunday, the Jets allowed five such passes, including Sam Darnold’s 57-yard TD toss to Robby Anderson, and three

such runs.

Focusing on not giving up big plays can sometimes lead to opponents dinking and dunking downfield to gain yardage in small chunks rather than one big one.

“We can play tighter to backs, we can eliminate some of the leaky yardage,” Ulbrich said. “We’ll do a better job at that. But at the same time, our commitment is to absolutely eliminate

explosive plays.”

Defenses need to find a balance when they take that approach, but Saleh insists it’s a key to keeping opponents out of the end zone and off the scoreboard.

“When offenses can generate an explosive play in a drive, their percentages of scoring are astronomical,” Saleh said. “It’s almost guaranteed that they’re going to get three points. Two explosives in a drive, you might as well just put seven on the board and kick the ball off.

“So, the objective is to make them go earn it.”

NELL REDMOND — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh gestures during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C.