New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh. Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Jets HC Robert Saleh has fiery advice for Gang Green fans

By Lauren Merola | Last updated 10/28/22

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has a message for Gang Green fans: Be ready for fireworks.

Literally.

In a news conference Friday, Saleh encouraged fans to be in their seats early for Sunday's home game against New England. He said fireworks will shoot off at MetLife Stadium one hour before kickoff as a reminder.

"That is a sign to you guys [the fans] to pack it up and get in the stadium, and let's see if we can get this thing loud," Saleh said. "I heard that over 30 percent of the fans missed the Sauce Gardner safety last home game. Let's see if we can get it to where there's 100% [in the stands]."

Saleh has Sauce's full support.

Let’s go Jets fans❕ We love y’all and appreciate the support & energy y’all bring, let’s take it to the next level https://t.co/5ArXRAF1T7
— SAUCE (@iamSauceGardner) October 28, 2022

On Oct. 24, 2021, the Patriots spanked the Jets, 54-13. With 2:59 left, running back J.J. Taylor scored on one-yard TD run — a rub-it-in-your face score that irked Jets fans and players.

"I remember it being 40+ and shots still being taken on us. It's our job as a defense to stop that. I've been looking forward to this one."

Jeff Ulbrich reflects on last year's 54-13 loss to the Patriots and looks ahead to this week's matchup: pic.twitter.com/nFF8BCSn86
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 27, 2022

"We've got a good memory. It wasn't that long ago," defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins told ESPN's Rich Cimini, referring to 54-13. "We're aware of it. But at the same time, they're the next team on the schedule and they're a division team. Nothing would be greater than starting 2-0 in the division."

In the teams' 126 meetings, the Patriots have a 71-54-1 edge. Patriots coach Bill Belichick is 34-10 against Gang Green, winning 15 of the past 16. The Jets (5-2) haven't beaten the Patriots (3-4) since a 2015 OT win, but they're determined to flip the script.

On Thursday's episode of the New York Post's "Gang's All Here" podcast, tight end Tyler Conklin said this rivalry game leaves no room for niceties.

"If we're up 20 in the fourth, we're going to keep spanking," he said.

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