In a Week 5 showdown that carried the weight of personal vendettas and a simmering feud, the New York Jets emerged victorious against the Denver Broncos with a final score of 31-21.
The tension leading up to the game had been building since the offseason, when new Broncos head coach Sean Payton publicly criticized his predecessor, Nathaniel Hackett, who currently serves as the Jets’ offensive coordinator.
Payton did not mince words, labeling Hackett’s 2022 coaching stint in Denver as “maybe one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL.”
This statement added fuel to the fire, making Sunday’s game personal for both teams. Jets running back Breece Hall stole the spotlight with an outstanding performance, rushing for 177 yards, including a stunning 72-yard touchdown, on 22 carries.
Ultimately, the Jets emerged victorious, and Payton was noticeably frustrated after the game when he was forced to face the music…
Sean Payton did not want to talk about his Nathaniel Hackett comments at all after losing to the Jets today. He just cannot hide his agitation. pic.twitter.com/USGX1e1nSN
— Farrah Yvette (@farrah_yvette) October 9, 2023
Hackett, the target of Payton’s criticism, chose to take the high road after the game, refusing to engage in the revenge narrative.
He simply stated: “Not saying anything about that. All I’ll say is glad we won the game.”
#Hackett deserves all the love! pic.twitter.com/teY69tS1gH
— johnny rosado (JohnPaulRosado) (@johnny_rosado) October 9, 2023
However, the Jets’ players and staff didn’t shy away from expressing their thoughts on the matter.
Following the victory, almost everyone on the Jets’ sideline approached Hackett for hugs and handshakes, showing their support for their offensive coordinator.
Head coach Robert Saleh also recognized Hackett’s contribution by presenting him with a game ball…
Awesome: The #Jets gave the game ball to Nathaniel Hackett.
“I got one game ball…. Hack!”
What an awesome moment 🙏🏻
(🎥: @nyjets) pic.twitter.com/loMKw2eJGk
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) October 9, 2023
Injured Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who had worked closely with Hackett during their time together with the Green Bay Packers, tweeted his support for his former offensive coordinator immediately after the game…
W. #hackett❤️ #
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) October 8, 2023
Star cornerback Sauce Gardner also couldn’t contain his excitement after the win…
Sauce Gardner after the Jets beat the Broncos 😅
(h/t @iamSauceGardner) pic.twitter.com/Kc1Yrtetyv
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 9, 2023
The Jets social media team also wasted no time in celebrating the victory over Payton and the Broncos…
when you lose to the "offseason champs" pic.twitter.com/FzNIqGWZks
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 8, 2023
The Jets took another playful jab at Payton, who had imposed several unique rules for his team during the preseason – including prohibitions on removing their uniforms, wearing sunglasses, donning bucket hats, and participating in interviews during the game.
So, of course the Jets shared a picture of their top receiver, Garrett Wilson, violating all of these rules…
big mood pic.twitter.com/Uo5B8GSyAA
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 8, 2023
The resounding victory not only provided sweet revenge for Hackett and the New York Jets, but it also keeps Gang Green very much alive in the playoff hunt.
Standing at 2-3, there’s even hope that Rodgers can possibly make a miraculous return to action THIS season.
That would be truly remarkable considering how serious his torn Achilles injury was.
Sean Payton talked all that shit about Nathaniel Hackett just to lose to him and his backup QB 😂 #Jets pic.twitter.com/3EmoYxjCcP
— David (@_DBeck3) October 8, 2023
What a mess in Denver!!
What are your thoughts on the Broncos?
Is Payton way over his head?
Will he be able to (ultimately) get things turned around?