FILE – Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett looks on before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Denver. The New York Jets have hired former Denver Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive coordinator. The team announced the hiring Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, of the 43-year-old Hackett, who replaces Mike LaFleur after coach Robert Saleh and the Jets interviewed at least 15 candidates for the vacancy. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)
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FLORHAM PARK — It’s hard to find solace in an offense that has averaged under 14 points through its first two games like the New York Jets but there’s a simple way to change that according to their coaching staff.
Running more plays.
New York ran just 46 plays in their Week 2 loss to the Cowboys and 53 in Week 1 against the Bills. The 49.5 play average is the second worst in football right now and a big reason for several offensive players voicing their frustration in the lack of touches they’ve received.
For offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, a key way to improve their play count is by being better on money downs.
“Everybody’s workload was low last week. We just didn’t have a lot of plays and it hurts us because we can’t get a lot of people involved…If you don’t convert on those third-down and manageables, you won’t have those opportunities,” Hackett explained.
A big part of the blame in the public’s eye through the first two weeks of the 2023 season has fallen on the shoulders of the offensive line though. They are the only group across football that is giving up over a 50% pressure rate without blitzes – a five percent difference between the next team in the AFC.
Despite the obvious struggles the group has had though, the Jets’ offensive play-caller made it clear that they were not the sole reason for the entire offense’s inability to score points as of late.
“It’s not just them, it’s everyone. Everyone…
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