The New York Jets, sitting at a disappointing 2-7 record, have clearly hit the reset button in a big way. With the season slipping away and frustrations mounting, head coach Robert Saleh and his staff are returning to the basics, focusing on something as fundamental as it gets: tackling. Yes, you heard that right—tackling fundamentals became the star of the show during practice this week.

It’s not hard to see why Coach Saleh felt the need to refocus the team on these core skills. The Jets have struggled in multiple areas this season, but poor tackling has been a consistent issue. From missed open-field tackles to blown assignments, the lack of discipline in key moments has hurt them time and time again. So, in a bid to turn things around, the team decided to reintroduce the basics—full pads, tackling drills, and all.

Coach Brick’s Tackling Presentation: A Call to Fundamentals

The Jets’ defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich (referred to as “Coach Brick” by players), led the charge with a tackling presentation during the team’s morning meeting. This wasn’t your typical chalkboard session, though. Ulbrich gave a thorough breakdown on the art of tackling—something you’d expect to see during training camp, not week 11 of a disappointing season.

The focus wasn’t just on getting players to hit harder or faster. It was about reminding the team of the fundamentals: head-up form, wrapping up, driving through the tackle, and bringing the ball carrier to the ground. These may seem like basic techniques, but in the midst of a grueling season, even the most seasoned players can lose sight of them.

“Sometimes, you need to remind guys of the basics,” said Ulbrich. “It’s not about re-learning football; it’s about sharpening the skills that got you here in the first place.”

A Long Road to Recovery—But Is It Enough?

While it’s easy to question the timing of this “reset,” the Jets’ coaching staff is hoping this will ignite a spark in their locker room. At 2-7, they’re not out of playoff contention yet, but the odds are rapidly shrinking. The question becomes whether the Jets can turn things around with this renewed focus on fundamentals—or if it’s too little, too late.

The players’ reaction to these tackling drills will be telling. For some, going back to basics might feel like a step backward. But for others, it could serve as a wake-up call, a way to clear the mental fog that has plagued them throughout the season.

“If the guys believe in the season and still think they can turn things around, they’ll respond to this kind of coaching,” said former Jets linebacker and current analyst, Bart Scott. “But if they’ve already mentally checked out, drills like these are just a reminder that they’re not where they want to be.”

The Cultural Reset: A New Mindset for a Frustrated Team

The underlying theme of these tackling drills goes beyond just getting better at wrapping up. This is about a culture reset. Putting on full pads and focusing on tackling sends a message: “We’re not giving up. We’re going back to what we know works.”

Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers have made full-contact practices a staple, even in-season. It’s a mindset that focuses on toughness, physicality, and accountability. For the Jets, with their season in the balance, it’s an opportunity to remind the team that football is a physical game—one that requires grit, discipline, and attention to detail.

“The idea is to change the atmosphere in the locker room,” said former Jets offensive lineman, Damien Woody. “When you know you’re going to be in full pads, it changes the whole tone of the practice. Everyone has to come in with the right mindset. It’s not about just going through the motions; it’s about being locked in and ready to grind.”

The Risks of Tackling Drills Late in the Season

Of course, there are risks to putting pads on and going live in practice so late in the season. The NFL’s CBA limits teams to just 14 full-padded practices throughout the year, so coaches have to be strategic about when to implement them. Additionally, the potential for injuries—especially to key players—is always a concern.

Injuries aside, there’s also the issue of whether tackling drills in week 11 can truly make a difference. As former NFL linebacker and analyst, Bart Scott, pointed out, “It’s all well and good to practice tackling in pads, but the reality is that these players are professionals. If they don’t have the right mindset, one drill won’t change everything.”

It’s also important to note that many NFL teams, especially those on playoff runs, don’t tackle to the ground once the season gets going. Practices typically focus more on technique, footwork, and situational drills rather than full-contact tackling. This makes the Jets’ decision to focus on tackling a bit of an anomaly in today’s NFL.

Turning Things Around: Is It Too Late for the Jets?

The bigger question surrounding this tackling-focused practice is whether the Jets’ season is already lost. A 2-7 record at this stage of the season leaves little room for error. They would need to rattle off several wins in a row just to get back into playoff contention, and that’s a tall order for any team, let alone one that’s been struggling with basic fundamentals.

For Coach Saleh and the Jets, this is about more than just trying to improve their tackling percentage. It’s about trying to rekindle a sense of belief and urgency within the team. It’s about reminding players that the fundamentals matter, no matter how late it is in the season. Whether or not this results in a victory against their next opponent remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Jets are hoping that a return to the basics will bring some much-needed change to their season.

Looking Ahead: Will This Be the Spark?

So, what’s next for the Jets? Can this emphasis on tackling fundamentals help them salvage their season? Or will it be just another empty attempt at turning things around?

The real test will come this weekend when the Jets take the field against their next opponent. If the team can take this week’s practice seriously, it could signal a shift in their mentality—one that leads to better play on Sundays. But if the Jets don’t buy into this “back to basics” mentality, they might just continue on their downward spiral.

At 2-7, the Jets are facing an uphill battle. But sometimes, returning to the fundamentals—no matter how simple they seem—can be the first step toward turning things around. Whether or not this practice pays off remains to be seen, but for now, the Jets are hoping tackling is the key to unlocking the potential that’s been buried under the surface all season long.