Jets’ Robert Saleh, Eagles’ Nick Sirianni react to late hit on Jalen Hurts: ‘Egregiously awful,’ Saleh says
Jets coach Robert Saleh was pleased his team clinched a 24-21 win over the Eagles in their first preseason competition of 2022 on Friday.
But Saleh wanted to address something serious after the game: He didn’t approve of linebacker Quincy Williams’ late hit against Jalen Hurts in the first quarter.
Saleh rebuked Williams during his post-game press conference. He called the game “outrageously awful” and said that Williams “knows better” than hitting a quarterback out of bounds.
“Those are the plays Quincy needs to get out of his game if he’s going to be the linebacker we all think he can be,” Saleh said.
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The goal came on New York’s first defensive drive of the game. The Jets pressured Hurts on a third and fifth game and managed to force him to climb. He ran wide without a win, but Williams came over and hit him hard well over the touchline.
Quincy Williams with a late hit on Jalen Hurts 😳
pic.twitter.com/Zwx1crjDsm— PFF (@PFF) August 12, 2022
Hurts was unhurt but the strike still infuriated his teammates and coach Nick Sirianni. Sirianni shouted an obscenity at Saleh on the opposite touchline to let him know how much he disapproved of the play.
Nick Sirianni. Philly guy. pic.twitter.com/Bwi6P6Bbls
— David Grzybowski (@DavidGrzyTV) August 12, 2022
Saleh understood exactly why the Philadelphia coaches were angry and he didn’t defend Williams. He also pointed out to his player that the penalty cost the Jets points. They had stopped the Eagles, but the 15-yard penalty for unnecessary rudeness kept Philadelphia’s drive alive. Eventually, the Eagles scored a touchdown.
“You know, it’s one thing to make a mistake in the game,” Saleh said. “It’s another thing to make a mistake that leads to points.”
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While Sirianni seemed angry with Saleh immediately after scoring, he said after the match that there was no bad blood between the two.
“I was angry about the situation,” said Sirianni in his press conference after the game. “I was obviously more angry with the player than with Saleh.”
“Coach Saleh is a great guy. I have so much respect for him,” Sirianni added. “I only stood up for Jalen. I will never apologize for standing up for my players.”
And Hurts really appreciated that support from his coaches and teammates.
“It’s us, backing each other up,” Hurts said. “This is Philly.”