New York Jets head coach Adam Gase showcased “testiness” on Monday, something that shouldn’t be overly dissected.
Frustrated. Self-critical. Angry. Words weren’t needed to portray what Adam Gase felt late Sunday afternoon after his team’s 17-16 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
On Monday, those emotions hadn’t swayed too far and turned front and center when responding to questions.
The tone of Gase’s voice will be described as “testy.” He was short, to the point and overall annoyed about Sunday’s result.
“What do you want me to do?,” Gase responded on a conference call with the media. “We haven’t performed well. We’re going to try to figure a way out to fix it.”
Gase even responded with an, “I don’t want to tell you,” in reference to Jason Myers discussions in the spring. Due to the obvious kicking woes, fielding the special teams’ question has become a common occurrence at Florham Park.
Gase admitted remembering discussions between him and Mike Maccagnan surrounding the Myers situation, but made it clear he won’t discuss the past. This was especially the case when Ty Montgomery’s usage was mentioned.
“That’s the beauty part about being a head coach; I can basically do what I want,” Gase proclaimed.
As the Jets enter the full workweek with the Cleveland Browns in mind, the world will be discussing Gase’s patience wearing thin.
It’s unfortunate since this narrative shouldn’t be taken too seriously. The attitude Gase showcased on Monday is something football players welcome at times. It’s a mindset often required, especially early in a football season.
For those hearing the Adam Gase "testiness" on Monday … don't fully buy it. He was a little "to the point," but it was nothing that could be labeled too harsh.
Football players don't mind the attitude Gase displayed on Monday. It's required at times. #TakeFlight
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) September 9, 2019
In addition, Gase initially wondered if he overloaded his team with too much information. That was his knee-jerk reaction after the game on Sunday.
That was then. This is now.
On Monday, after watching the film, information is the least of Gase’s concerns.
Instead of piling on young Sam Darnold, Gase revealed a pleasant surprise viewpoint with how the kid handled game No. 1. The target, instead, shifted to the outside.
“We had a chance to win the game. We need to come out of our double move,” Gase said on a Monday conference call. “The guy falls down & we don’t come out running, so. If we do that, all of a sudden we’re scoring a touchdown. Guys need to do a better job executing what they’re supposed to be doing.”
It’s a clear reference to a play in the fourth quarter in which Robby Anderson’s double-move didn’t quite take off. Darnold missed him long against a defense that was left vulnerable over-the-top.
“It was better than I initially thought,” Gase said in reference to Darnold’s play. “(I was) happy with how Sam (Darnold) handled everything. Disappointed in how our receivers handled some of the things.”
The greater question surrounds talent and scheme. An offensive line with very little talent that recently just started working together is what Gase needs to overcome heading into Monday Night Football. Every bit of the offense’s hot read strategy was stomped on by the Bills.
Part of coaching in New York is eloquently handling the media and the outside forces that can potentially destroy a season. Gase needs to carefully navigate that fact.
But don’t yet jump on the “Gase is losing his patience” train just yet. Frustration and a harsh tone is oftentimes an essential part of the game.
If Bill Parcells didn’t win, he’d represent a frustrated old-school football mind who could never quite “get it.” Instead of being canned early in his Giants career, it happened for him, and a Hall of Fame career blossomed.
What’s promising is the repetitive message coming from every angle. The correct mindset is entrenched in the locker room.
“I already know how we’re gonna react,” Steve McLendon said in response to the disheartening Week 1 loss. “We had our team meetings. We corrected everything and I know we’re going to respond. We have to finish, and that’s pretty much it. After 4:30 p.m. ET, I can no longer talk about this (Dolphins) game (24-hour rule).
There’s absolutely no point in dissecting Adam Gase’s tone. Testiness or not, it’s still all about the Cleveland Browns … until further notice.
