Sport

New York Jets Captain C.J. Mosley Calls Coach's Dismissal 'A Wake-Up Call'

2024-10-14

Author: Emily

As the New York Jets gear up to face the Buffalo Bills in a highly anticipated Monday night matchup, they'll be doing so under the new leadership of Jeff Ulbrich, who steps in as interim head coach after the unexpected firing of Robert Saleh just five games into his fourth season.

Linebacker and team captain C.J. Mosley shared his thoughts on the transition, expressing full support for Ulbrich. “We have 100 percent trust and support with Brick, and so does the coaching staff,” he stated. Despite the turbulent circumstances, Mosley emphasized that the team's goals remain unchanged.

With the Jets sporting a 2-3 record following a narrow defeat against the Minnesota Vikings, Mosley admitted he was "pretty shocked" by Saleh's dismissal. The former Alabama All-American missed the last two games due to a toe injury, which may have left him wondering how he could have contributed more to the team's performance.

“Receiving the news made me reflect. I kept thinking, how could I have done better?” Mosley said, acknowledging that Saleh played a pivotal role in building the team culture and selecting key players. “He’s the reason that we’re in this position today,” he added, recognizing Saleh's contributions and the challenges faced by the team.

Mosley also believes that this change should serve as a wake-up call for the players, a moment for all to take accountability. “We cannot let this setback stop us from achieving our goals,” he stated, indicating a need for the team to learn from this experience to prevent future occurrences.

Ulbrich, who has served as the Jets' defensive coordinator since 2021, has made significant strides with the team. Under his guidance, New York’s defense has consistently ranked among the best in the league, finishing as the fourth-fewest yards allowed in 2022, the third-fewest in 2023, and currently holding the second spot this season.

“He’s an ultimate competitor,” Mosley praised Ulbrich. “Knowing him personally drives me to perform at my best,” he remarked on the unique bond formed between players and coaches over the years.

As for Mosley’s participation in the upcoming game, he was listed as questionable after being a limited participant in practice last week. The Jets will clash with their AFC East rivals at 7:15 p.m. CDT at MetLife Stadium, in what promises to be an electrifying showdown.

“I would assume that they’re smelling blood right now,” Mosley said of the Bills. “They’re undoubtedly preparing for a strong game. However, for us, it’s crucial to understand what has happened. This business can shift dramatically.”

He encouraged his teammates to stay resilient, saying, “We had a crack in our foundation, but if we reinforce it properly, it won’t lead to a collapse. We must strengthen our bond, hold ourselves accountable, and prepare for the challenges ahead.

With high stakes on the line, the Jets aim to turn this wake-up call into an opportunity for growth and success as they face off against the Bills. Will they rally together under new leadership and prove they can overcome adversity? Be sure to tune in!