Why Jets’ Robert Saleh found satisfaction in concluding Bill Belichick’s Patriots tenure with a defeat

Despite the New York Jets and New England Patriots having little at stake in Week 18 of the 2023 season, Jets head coach Robert Saleh continues to cherish his team’s 17-3 victory, which marked Bill Belichick’s final game as head coach of the Patriots.

“It’s true,” Saleh recently shared with Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. “I remember New England’s win streak over us at the time. I think it was around 17 games [it was actually 15]. The Patriots had that long win streak against us, and we had a sense that it could be their last game under that regime.”

Saleh’s sentiments echo the Jets players’ desire to break their 15-game losing streak against their rivals, the Patriots. Linebacker Quincy Williams had emphasized before the game that the Jets, despite their 6-10 record going into the matchup, were focused and not treating it as a meaningless contest.

Meanwhile, speculation had been widespread that Patriots owner Robert Kraft would part ways with Belichick after New England missed the playoffs for the third time in four years. Indeed, Kraft and Belichick mutually agreed to separate after the season concluded.

“Our team attacked the game,” Saleh added regarding the Week 18 win. “We played in a snowstorm, amassed 185 rushing yards against a tough run defense, and executed well defensively and on special teams. It was a fantastic way to finish the season.”

Saleh’s perspective provides a counterpoint to the notion of teams “tanking” late in the season for better draft positioning. He continues to emphasize a competitive culture since taking on the head coaching role in January 2021, aiming to improve a franchise that holds the longest active playoff drought among the major North American sports leagues.

Interestingly, there is speculation that Belichick could potentially replace Saleh if the Jets fail to end their playoff drought in the upcoming season.