Todd Downing spoke to the media on Friday for the first time since taking over the Jets’ offensive play-calling this week, describing it as a “unique week.”
His new role came after the Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh and named defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as the interim head coach. Downing is stepping in for offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who is still part of the team.
Downing mentioned that the transition has not been awkward and expressed respect for how Hackett has handled the situation.
He also stated that working with quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been smooth, as he has been in all the meetings with him. He acknowledged that there will be some adjustments in communication but believes Rodgers will improve in the coming weeks.
“Yeah, in a two-decade career he has very few blips on the radar, and I know that Aaron himself has said that the last couple of weeks aren’t up to his standard, but that does not necessarily sound an alarm,” Downing said, according to a team transcript.
“He knows how to prepare. He knows how to diagnose defenses. He knows how to run the show on offense, and that’s what we’re anticipating this week.”
Downing previously held the same position with the Titans in 2021 and 2022, and he hopes to be “sharper” this time around. He’ll get his chance to prove it against the Bills on Monday night.
