It's been a week full of changes for the Jets, and passing game coordinator Todd Downing is in the middle of the biggest change of all.
Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich gave Downing play-calling duties starting Monday night against the Bills.
Downing replaces Nathaniel Hackett as the play-caller, and the Jets' offense appears to be in neutral.
“It was definitely a unique week,” Downing said. “You know, I’ve been in this profession for a long time and I think I’ve had a lot of different experiences, but this was certainly a new experience.
“I have been amazed, humbled and inspired by how you all have come together to focus on the support I have received and, you know, one meeting at a time. I'll keep going until I find my groove. So it's been a process and it's been a bit of a whirlwind, but you know, everyone around me has been impressed and humbled.”
Jets owner Woody Johnson fired coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday, in part because of the team's offensive performance this season.
High expectations were placed on this group, which features quarterback Aaron Rodgers, running back Breece Hall, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and a revamped offensive line.
However, the unit has struggled, currently ranking 27th in yards per game (286.6) and 32nd in rushing yards per game (80.4).
Over the past two games, he has averaged 12.5 points per game.
Along the way, the Jets' offense looked stagnant and lacking in creativity.
Most teams in the league use pre-snap motion to stress opposing defenses, but the Jets have moved away from it as this season has progressed.
Downing wouldn't say the Jets would use more motion now, saying it was a week-to-week decision.
“I think every week we’re preparing for the opponent’s defense and looking for ways to create an advantage,” Downing said. “We're looking for ways to stress the defense. Sometimes it involves motion, sometimes it involves unique formations. I think it's going to be weekly.”
One of the strangest aspects of the Jets' season so far is how poor their running game has been.
The Jets felt that would be a strength for their team this summer.
In his last two games, he ran for 64 and 36 yards, respectively.
“First of all, this team has a strong run game. We just haven't seen that happen consistently enough,” Downing said. “Secondly, I think sometimes you find people putting a little bit of pressure on themselves because they have production expectations, and I think they can feel a sense of urgency if those aren't met. But we We believe our team is ready to answer the bell and make the quarterly adjustments necessary to get this off the ground.”
Ulbrich said he expects Downing to bring a “tough and ruthless” style of play to the Jets' offense.
Downing said Friday that Ulbrich's energy will carry over into the Jets' entire team.
“I think the energy he has walking around this building is contagious to those guys,” Downing said. “I hope they're drawn to the physicality that they like from the game of football, and the opportunity to create one-on-one battles where at the end of the play you see who's got the best of who.” It's fun to see that personality replicated in the locker room.”
Downing said he doesn't yet know whether he will call games from the sideline or from the coaches booth.
He said he's been in the booth before, but on the sidelines when he was the offensive coordinator for the Raiders and Titans.
He said he enjoys looking into the players' eyes during games.
Downing believes he has improved since 2022, when he last served as a play-caller for the Titans.
“I think we're all products of our life experiences,” Downing said. “So as different opportunities have come and gone in my career, I've always tried to reflect first. So I hope I'm wiser. I'm more astute. I hope I have the opportunity to show off the experience I've accumulated over the years.”
