Jets HC Robert Saleh 'overthought' things not using timeout late vs. Lions
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has accepted blame for his questionable time management late in what became a 20-17 home loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
"This is the one where I definitely overthought this situation," Saleh admitted while speaking with reporters on Monday, per Brian Costello of the New York Post. "That’s the one where I definitely overthought it. Call a timeout, there’s 49 seconds left. I felt like we got the better end of a spot and I was trying to beat New York on the challenge. That’s the one I overthought. It didn’t matter. We’re not playing for downs at this situation. We’re playing for time. When you look at it all, I definitely, probably cost us one more snap."
Saleh was referencing how quarterback Zach Wilson completed a pass to rookie wide receiver Garrett Wilson for a 10-yard gain near midfield with about 50 seconds remaining in regulation as Gang Green trailed Detroit by three points. Saleh elected against calling a timeout, and the clock ran down to 31 seconds left before the Jets ran their next offensive play.
Perhaps worst of all, Saleh still had a timeout in his pocket when Greg Zuerlein departed the sideline for a 58-yard field goal attempt that Zuerlein hooked well wide of the target:
"It’s something that I definitely need to be better at. I definitely overthought it," Saleh continued. "I wish I could have had that one back." He also added he "definitely could have been better" in the game's final minute.
The three-point loss dropped the Jets to 7-7 and kept them out of the conference's playoff spaces occupied by the 8-6 Miami Dolphins and 8-6 Los Angeles Chargers. Saleh and company won't have much time to nurse their wounds, as the Jets next host the 6-8 Jacksonville Jaguars in what is a must-win "Thursday Night Football" matchup for both clubs.
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