The New York Jets' offense committed five false start penalties in an ugly 10-9 home loss to the Denver Broncos.
Whether it resulted from miscommunication or a lack focus, quarterback Aaron Rodgers's hard-count cadence, which is known to confuse defenses and draw offsides penalties, was seemingly a hindrance at times during the disappointing Week 4 defeat.
"We gotta figure it out," said head coach Robert Saleh. "Whether or not we're good enough to handle all the, we're ready to handle all the cadence. Cadence had not been an issue all camp. Felt like our operation had been operating pretty good. Obviously, today it took a major step back."
After Saleh's postgame press conference, Rodgers stepped to the podium and was asked if the Jets should consider dialing back the use of the cadence. Naturally, the four-time NFL MVP took exception with the idea.
"That's one way to do it. The other way is hold them accountable," said Rodgers. "We haven't had an issue. We've had one false start, Morgan [Moses] had one false start I believe, until this."
On Sunday at MetLife Stadium, it was an issue for multiple Jets. Running back Breece Hall was flagged twice for false starts as was left guard John Simpson. Veteran left tackle Tyron Smith jumped early on one occasion, too.
Coupled with the friendly home field crowd, one would think the Jets would have been able to use the patented Rodgers snap count as an advantage over the opponent. In the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, the future Hall-of-Fame field general drew the defense offsides on a third down and used the free play to hit Allen Lazard on a 36-yard touchdown pass.
"It's been a weapon. We use it everyday in practice," said Rodgers. "I don't know if we need to make mass changes based on kind of an outlier game."
More New York Jets News:
• Most-miserable stat sums up Jets' first-half struggles on miserable day
• Jets elevate linebacker and defensive lineman for Week 4 battle vs. Broncos
• Jets' offense features prime fantasy bust candidate vs. Broncos in Week 4
• Still more respect for New York Jets to earn in NFL Power Rankings
• Saleh describes Jets' ideal player and he's not Aaron Rodgers
