Drake Maye enters Pats starting lineup at right time; also the Jets' coaching change and the Broncos' outstanding D

Now the Jets are hoping Jeff Ulbrich — the defensive coordinator who was promoted to interim head coach — will help the team rediscover its identity to start a playoff run. The former NFL linebacker is highly regarded throughout the league and is considered a no-nonsense leader with a no-nonsense personality and great attention to detail. He received rave reviews for his work as head coach at the Reese's Senior Bowl last winter. When speaking to coaches and executives who worked with Ulbrich during College All-Star Game week, they praised his management and organizational skills. These qualities should serve him well as he attempts to right this wayward ship.

Looking at New York's recent games, the team needs an offensive identity. Through five games in 2024, the Jets have scored exactly the same number of points (93) and amassed nearly the same yards-per-game average (286.6 versus 283.6) as the Zach Wilson-led unit in the first five games of 2023. Rodgers' struggles suggest a need to relieve the four-time MVP of some of the responsibility for leading the offense. Considering the 40-year-old quarterback just played two straight games with a sub-60 percent completion rate, the Jets should rethink their offensive approach, especially with a trio of promising young playmakers (running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen, etc.) . Wide receiver Garrett Wilson) who can provide energy to the unit. If Gang Green's patchwork offensive line can keep up, the offense should be able to rely on a ground-and-pound/play-action attack to move the ball against their personnel's top defense.

That's why Ulbrich's decision to demote offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and replace him with Todd Downing at offensive line could have a significant impact on New York's performance. While Downing can't completely overhaul the playbook or call sheet at this point, he can begin by shifting the offense to a different approach to maximize the individual and collective talents of the top players. Whether the tweaks are using more movement and shifts to create favorable matchups or speeding up the tempo to change the pace of the game, Downing can make subtle adjustments to help this offense along to help find an identity and a rhythm. Additionally, he can modernize the offense to make it difficult to defend in games against the AFC's defensive heavyweights.

In addition, Ulbrich will now receive a longer probationary period in the big chair with the possibility of getting the permanent job if he plays his cards right and demands more responsibility from his players. As a former NFL player – having spent ten years as a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers – Ulbrich automatically commands respect from his troops, but he must hold his team to a higher standard in order to produce better results on the field.

By demanding more effort and better execution from the offense, defense and kicking units, the Jets' interim head coach can take control of a winnable division and secure a spot in the postseason tournament. And once you get to the playoffs, anything is possible.