'Saleh wasn't the Jets' problem, Rodgers is the problem'

Former Buffalo Bills assistant coach Phoebe Schecter is an NFL pundit and plays for Great Britain's flag football team.

Robert Saleh became the first NFL head coach to lose his job this season after he was fired by the New York Jets following Sunday's loss in London. I was surprised it happened so early.

It's not like they have a terrible past. They are 2-3 heading into Monday Night Football against Buffalo, their division rival. They could have been playing for first place in their league, so it really seemed a bit sudden, but ultimately I don't think Saleh was the problem.

When you bring in a point guard like four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers – one of the biggest names in sports – you bring in much more than just a player. He almost becomes his own offensive coordinator, doesn't he? It's not always an easy relationship for a head coach and quarterback, and there were signs of ambiguity between Saleh and Rodgers.

Three weeks ago, Rodgers had a really good game against the Patriots, but there was that moment when Saleh went up to hug him and Rodgers pushed him away. Then, after the loss to Denver, the two talked about issues with game rhythm and holding people accountable. These were signs that things were heading in that direction, but it wouldn't be long. I think it will be unfortunate for Saleh.

The Jets named (defensive coordinator) Jeff Ulbrich as interim head coach, and he said (quarterbacks coach) Todd Downing would be a major factor in the offense.

He essentially demoted (offensive coordinator) Nathaniel Hackett, which I think Saleh wanted to do before he was fired. However, Saleh, a defensive-minded head coach, has lost that strength on the offensive side of the ball, and I don't think Rodgers would create a nice environment for him.

I think it's really telling that as soon as Ulbrich gets the role, he demotes Hackett. Ulbrich was there, he saw what was happening, he was at all the team meetings, so he will know what is going on.

If you really look at it, I think the problem is that the 40-year-old Rodgers is underperforming. He's not as mobile and had three interceptions against the Minnesota Vikings at Wembley Stadium last Sunday.

If we talk about responsibility, there can be no question of what we call BBL – bad body language. After Rodgers' final interception, the Jets were coming down the field to win the game and he had wide receiver Garrett Wilson open. He just missed the ball. But his immediate reaction is to shrug and put his hands up. “What are you doing?” Just don't do it.

Rodgers brought in his guys like Hackett and (wide winger) Allen Lazard. However, when Hackett played with Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers, he was the offensive coordinator, but head coach Matt LaFleur was still the main play-calling factor.

For me, LaFleur was the genius behind it and put Rodgers in the right positions. I think Hackett was just doing what Rodgers wanted, which was his style, but I don't think this offensive scheme is the best fit for the team.

I think the Jets will look to sign (Raiders receiver) Davante Adams now. They have plenty of room to do so, and Rodgers will want to do so because of the relationship they have from playing together for so long on the Packers.

The Jets still have every chance to succeed as a team, but if they do, people will think, “oh, it's because they fired Saleh.” This is not the case. Under Saleh, the Jets' defense was among the top five in the league and gave them a chance to win their last two games; it is a crime that ranks at the lowest level.

The Jets put themselves in a funny situation, so it will be really interesting to see what happens when a new forward comes on the field and how the defense performs now.

Phoebe Schecter spoke to Ben Collins from BBC Sport