DC Ulbrich adds fuel to Jets-Pats rivalry on ‘Hard Knocks’
NEW YORK (BVM) — Bill Belichick’s “Patriot Way” has led to six Super Bowl championships. But not everyone is a fan of his “Do your job” mantra.
Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich does not believe the phrase encapsulates all that is needed to win. In episode one of HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” he broke down to his players why they need to do more than that.
“Do my job, is that good enough? F— no,” Ulbrich said.
“That’s the rest of the NFL, isn’t it? Do your job. Do your job. F— that,” Ulbrich said. “Do your job, then now what? If we all do our job and a f—— little bit more, that’s 22 playing.”
Maybe it is a phrase that is used a bit around the league, but it is viewed as the Patriots’ bread and butter. Many viewed this as a direct shot at the Jets’ division rival.
The Jets have already created an offseason cold war with the Denver Broncos, now they are adding more tension to the fire for when they play New England twice this year.
The Patriots may be more vulnerable now than they have been in years past, winning only eight games last season and being widely projected to finish last in the AFC East in 2023. But in a rivalry like this anything is up for grabs.
There is massive pressure for both sides this season.
If it is another poor year for New England, it could be Belichick’s last. The Aaron Rodgers trade makes it boom-or-bust for the Jets this year, and the latter could result in the organization clearing house.
The teams play on Sept. 24 in New Jersey and Jan. 7 in Foxborough and there is no doubt those comments will be on the back of everyone’s mind on both sidelines.
