Reich Takes Blame for Jets' Offensive Struggles

Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich has taken full responsibility for the team's dismal offensive performance in their recent loss, describing it as "poor on our part." The unit was held to 157 yards, its lowest total of the season, and struggled to convert on third downs, going 0-for-7.

"I think when it came down to it last week, the lack of production on third down, the 0-7. I think it was just poor on our part, and I’m the offensive coordinator, I’m ultimately responsible for that," Reich said Thursday. He added that the offense's inability to capitalize on two turnovers, which gave the Jets short fields, resulted in settling for field goals instead of touchdowns.

"We had two short fields that yielded six points, and I think if that yields more than that, it allows us to apply a little bit more pressure than we did," Reich explained.

The Jets' offense had been averaging 21.3 points per game through their first three contests, but their production was significantly hampered against the Bears. The team was also without key starters, including running back Breece Hall and receiver Adonai Mitchell.

Reich noted that the game plan aimed for a balanced attack, with an emphasis on establishing the run to counter the Bears' strong rushing offense. However, the inability to sustain drives on third down limited the number of plays the offense ran.

"We did go into the game [knowing] we were going up against the No. 1 rush offense, and a team that runs the ball well," Reich said. "As an offense, we wanted to go in with a balanced attack, but we did want to get the run game going and kind of combat run game with run game, as coach [Aaron Glenn] talked about. [Play] complementary football, and kind of match that and keep our defense off the field. The problem was we didn’t convert on third down."

The limited offensive plays also impacted the involvement of other players, such as Isaiah Davis. "They had a role in mind for him, but the Jets ran just 32 plays, and it squeezed him out of any opportunities," Reich stated.

In other team news, tight end Mason Taylor practiced fully for the second consecutive day, indicating a potential return on Sunday after missing the last two games due to a thumb injury. Cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. was limited in practice with a concussion, while edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare also remained limited with a knee issue. Hall, Mitchell, offensive lineman Dylan Parham, and linebacker Kiko Mauigoa were all listed as out and are unlikely to play against the Browns.