Jets Offensive Coordinator Reflects on Game Decisions

On Thursday, Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich addressed the controversial decisions made during the team’s 20-17 overtime defeat to the Packers last Sunday.

One specific moment that drew attention occurred late in regulation when the score was tied at 17-17. Reich chose to run running back Braelon Allen from the shotgun on a crucial fourth-and-1 play. Some criticized this choice, suggesting that employing an under-center snap might have been more effective for Allen, who stands at 6-1 and weighs 235 pounds.

Unfortunately for the Jets, Allen was stopped for no gain by Packers defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness, handing Green Bay excellent field position to potentially win the game. Although the Jets’ defense managed to hold firm, they ultimately lost in overtime.

Reich defended his decision by citing analytics and arrived at his press meeting armed with data. “As a play caller in those situations, everything is always on the table—under center, shotgun, pass, run,” he stated. “I’m going to call what I think is the best play in the moment, and that’s what I did.”

He acknowledged that when a play doesn’t work, it’s natural to feel regret and wonder if another choice would have been wiser. “You have to live with the results. I’m comfortable and confident in the calls we made,” Reich added.

To provide context, he referred to a five-year study—excluding quarterback sneaks—that revealed shotgun runs on fourth-and-1 convert approximately 71 percent of the time, compared to 67 percent when running from under center. “The gun run is actually better, partly because the threat of a pass prevents the defense from tightening up,” he explained. He noted this study showed greater success rates for running plays versus passing plays in those situations.

Yet, Reich appeared less assured when discussing a drive at the end of the first half, where the Jets failed to make progress after starting with four minutes on the clock. They had burned two timeouts earlier for personnel issues and lost a challenge, leaving them with no timeouts available. Starting from their own 10-yard line, the drive ultimately stalled before they could reach midfield as the clock expired.

“I’ve got to do a better job,” he admitted regarding that drive. He elaborated on the strategy, stating that they aimed to manage the clock but ended up with a third-and-two. The team had called for two deep plays, both of which were well covered. “Geno [Smith] checked it down correctly both times.” He mentioned that they had also designed a play for a significant gain, but facing a blitz, Smith wisely opted for a wide receiver screen that netted eight or nine yards before the drive ended.

Looking ahead to the upcoming game against the Lions, Reich emphasized the importance of learning from the Packers game. “One thing I appreciate about our players, this offensive unit, and our coaching staff is the culture of just continuing to fight to get better, with a ‘Week one, zero’ mentality,” he remarked.

He expressed confidence in the team moving forward, sharing that the players had embraced the idea of focusing on improvement regardless of past outcomes. “The mood and mindset in practice this week was very strong,” Reich noted.