INDIANAPOLIS — When Jets head coach Robert Saleh elected to receive the ball after winning the opening coin toss on Sunday against the Bengals, many assumed it was in an effort to jump-start his struggling offense.
But that was not Saleh’s thinking. He had planned on deferring, as he had the three previous times the Jets won the toss this year. But a source said Saleh noticed the Bengals went in early from pregame warm-ups, a little more than half an hour before kickoff. Saleh thought that if the Jets took the ball and had a successful drive, it would keep the Bengals’ high-powered offense off the field for about an hour of real time.
“I won’t go into the whole decision, but I was deferring all the way up until warm-ups,” Saleh said after the game, hinting at his strategy.
The plan worked. The Jets opened the game with a 10-play, 75-yard drive that ended with an 8-yard Michael Carter touchdown. It was the first time the Jets had scored in the first quarter this season.
Saleh’s slow-play of the Bengals also seemed to work. Cincinnati went three-and-out on its first drive and then failed to score after having a first-and-goal at the 1. The Bengals did not score until the first play of the second quarter.
Guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif said he waived his no-trade clause to approve the trade from the Chiefs to the Jets on Tuesday because he felt wanted by the team. He has not played since the 2019 Super Bowl.
Duvernay-Tardif, who is a medical doctor, opted out of last season to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic. He returned to the Chiefs this year, but broke a bone in his hand during training camp. He was active for the first time Monday night against the Giants, but did not see action.
“When I opted out, I promised myself that I’d do all I can to get back on the field,” Duvernay-Tardif said. “That meant training as hard as you can. But as the season evolved it was also a matter of being in an organization that wants me. For sure the Jets wanted me. It made sense to waive the no-trade clause to be part of an organization that is building something new and different. I want to be part of it.”
He will be inactive for Thursday’s game at the Colts.
The Jets listed WR Corey Davis (hip) as doubtful, meaning it is likely the Jets will be without their No. 1 receiver for the second straight week. OT George Fant (ankle) is listed as questionable. RB Tevin Coleman (hamstring), DE Bryce Huff (back) and QB Zach Wilson (knee) have all been ruled out.
Colts WR T.Y. Hilton (concussion) was ruled out. G Quenton Nelson (toe) is questionable.