Sean Payton’s been making a lot of headlines this week after an exclusive interview with USA TODAY Sports.
Not only did the Denver Broncos coach criticize the NFL’s gambling policy, but he also told all about Denver’s issues from 2022, including ripping former head coach Nathaniel Hackett. In the process, Payton said Hackett’s New York Jets are essentially all hype and an offseason champion focusing on the wrong things — like Hard Knocks — that ultimately won’t win anything of substance.
New York head coach Robert Saleh was asked about Payton’s Jets critique after practice on Thursday. His comeback, while admirable for his team, was pretty corny.
#Jets HC Robert Saleh took the high road when asked about Sean Payton's comments:
"If you ain't got no haters, you ain't popping. So hate away. Obviously we’re doing something right if you’ve gotta talk about us when we don’t play you until Week 5."
pic.twitter.com/xZazBAlhwP https://t.co/AS5m3UZyBu
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 27, 2023
I’m fairly certain the Jets have actually always had “haters,” and I fail to see how this refutes any justifiable criticism of the dumpster fire Hackett presided over in Denver. That Broncos offense was historically bad, not just inept.
For now, on paper, the Jets are just that — offseason champions. They might have Aaron Rodgers in the fold, but they have 39-year-old Aaron Rodgers, a far cry from the prime of a future First-Ballot Hall of Famer. And there’s no guarantee Rodgers even plays well throughout an entire 17-game season. He does not necessarily fix all of the Jets’ problems, even if they think he does. Sure, Hackett might have had success with Rodgers during their mutual time in Green Bay, but that doesn’t mean it transfers over to New York.
Saleh did right by his offensive coordinator and team defending them. But, for now, he has no legs to stand on in regard to what Payton said.
Oh, by the way: Saleh’s Jets meet up with Payton’s Broncos in Denver in Week 5 of the regular season. Stay tuned for more of the NFL’s weirdest growing feud.
Nordstrom Anniversary sale
This is how Twitter reacted to Saleh's comeback
Saleh has *just enough* Rex Ryan in him to where I think it’s beneficial.
Rex got a little out of hand with some of the things he was saying and guaranteeing, but that bravado undoubtedly helped fuel the 09-10 teams as well.
Saleh has a bit of that “F you” attitude as well. https://t.co/VVbNnDiQaf
— Matt Infield (@Matt_Infield) July 27, 2023
A Jets and Broncos rivalry is not something I saw coming in the year of our lord 2023 https://t.co/L3fleABvzP
— Nicole Pinter (@nicole_pinter6) July 27, 2023
Broncos VS Jets is about to be great. Sean Payton getting a reality check is always my favorite. https://t.co/1WDyoUgNKc
— Alexis (@lexyarnold) July 27, 2023
Week 5 needs to be flexed into primetime https://t.co/2naZUPAexj
— Jude Jets (@jude_jets) July 27, 2023
Saleh just sounds like a dad who tries too hard to be cool 😭 https://t.co/wjhwgQbCvW
— Jalin Hyatt NYG WR1 (@mpmoran19) July 27, 2023
Start the season already https://t.co/mlGR0u7NUi
— Jake (@JakeRepNY) July 27, 2023
Grab your popcorn 🤣 #Jets HC Robert Saleh said ‘I’m not going to acknowledge’ the comments made by #Broncos HC @SeanPayton criticizing NYJ & OC Nathaniel Hackett, ‘he’s been in the league awhile he can say whatever the hell he wants’ 😳 said he lives by a saying, ‘if you ain’t… pic.twitter.com/uo5SeDuREO
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) July 27, 2023
People who doubt me, inspire me #Jets https://t.co/ds0wM1ZvDA
— David Tomchinsky (@ChinskyRuns) July 27, 2023
Can guarantee you the bulletin board material will be used, come Week 5. https://t.co/mqZ2apuzzT
— 🦁 (@LIONHEART2888) July 27, 2023
