Robert Saleh’s dismissal sent shockwaves through the New York Jets locker room.
The head coach was a popular figure among the players, but owner Woody Johnson decided to act decisively after going 2-3 to start the season.
Will McDonald IV joined talkSPORT following Saleh’s sacking
A 23-17 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings in London proved to be the final straw.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was picked off three times in the loss and took his share of the blame, while calling for the entire Jets organization to hold themselves accountable under interim boss Jeff Ulbrich.
Star pass rusher Will McDonald IV, who has six sacks through five weeks this season, joined talkSPORT to discuss Rodgers’ leadership.
“He’s always getting the guys together, making sure that we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing,” the second-year defensive end said.
“We always bounce back. I’m sure he’s going to make sure that he’s going to take care of his business and his accountability.
“I trust Aaron to win games for us and I trust what the coaches have, the game plan for us also.”
Johnson thinks this is the best Jets team for 25 years – and McDonald believes there is no limit to their potential.
“We can be as good as we want to be,” he added.
“Just make sure that we execute those plays, that we’re studying, that the only mindset is to win games and get to the championship.
“So as long as we keep that mindset and accountability for each other, I think we should execute in everything that we do.”
Rodgers is stepping up as a leader
Ulbrich is taking his first head coach role
The Jets face the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football in a massive divisional matchup.
McDonald is expecting a physical battle and predicts that it will come down to individuals stepping up.
“They’re a really good team,” he said.
“It all comes down to who’s in the middle of the launch. Who’s going to win their one-on-ones and who’s going to execute the best?
“Our biggest mindset is just to win games. No matter who the opponent is, we want to win games and get to that championship.”
Saleh’s replacement Ulbrich was promoted from defensive coordinator and has many fans on that side of the ball.
McDonald – drafted with the 14th pick in 2023 – is one of them.
“Really good coach. I’m glad him and Salah have given me the opportunity to be in this down front and just push, push, just make sure I reach my best potential,” he explained.
“He pushes us to do better every day and you’ve got to have the mindset to get the ball, and win games, and execute.”
McDonald says Ulbrich as kept his messaging simple since taking the reins.
“Just make sure that we’re taking care of business,” he revealed when asked what the former linebacker had said to the team.
“Take it all in for the unfortunate event that happened.
“Make sure that we’re stepping up to the plate and that it’s not having an effect on us. Make sure that we still take care of business.”
Watch Will McDonald’s exclusive interview with talkSPORT End Zone’s Will Varney in full below
The NFL is back in London this weekend and talkSPORT 2 will be live at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium bringing you exclusive commentary of the Jacksonville Jaguars up against the Chicago Bears!
All the build up and exclusive interviews from 2pm on Sunday ahead of Kick Off with the former Pittsburgh Steelers Tight End Christian Scotland-Williamson part of our commentary team. You will also be able to see the team if you head to our ‘talkSPORT Endzone Youtube Channel’ as they will be hosting a live watchalong from the stadium with plenty of extra content! That’s the Jacksonville Jaguars vs the Chicago Bears live over on talkSPORT 2 this Sunday Afternoon from 2pm!
You can listen to talkSPORT 2 on your DAB, via the talkSPORT App or simply ask your smart speaker to play talkSPORT 2!
