Sports Illustrated Tabs Nathaniel Hackett 'Week 5 Winner'

Jets' offensive coordinator answers Sean Payton's criticism with victory

The New York Jets' offense showed necessary progress at the perfect time. 

With the Gang Green needing to stop a three-game slide, and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett going up against the team that fired him midway through the 2022 season, quarterback Zach Wilson engineered a 31-21 road win over the Denver Broncos. The matchup had attracted extra attention in the summer when current Denver head coach Sean Payton verbally slammed Hackett in an USA Today interview.

The Hackett Revenge Game marked a second straight productive day for the Wilson-led offense, which had been facing heavy criticism after back-to-back 10-point duds in Weeks 2 and 3.

With the Jets defeating Hackett's former employer while gaining more than 400 yards of offense for the first time in five games, the well-liked offensive coordinator earned a spot amongst Sports Illustrated's NFL Week 5 Winners. 

Hackett, who spent three seasons as Green Bay Packers' OC prior to his abbreviated stint in Denver, was the lone individual listed amongst SI's four winners from the past week in the NFL. The Cincinnati Bengals, the Indianapolis Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars joined the Jets' assistant coach in the winner's circle.

Hackett also received an official game ball from head coach Robert Saleh during the postgame locker-room scene. 

Meanwhile, starting receiver Allen Lazard credited the offensive coordinator for fueling Wilson's reemergence. 

Wilson presided over four consecutive second-half scoring drives in Denver. One week earlier, he posted a 105.2 quarterback rating against defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City.

Jets' Starting WR Credits Hackett for Helping Get Zach On Track

From NFL Week 5 Winners and Losers:

— Nathaniel Hackett —

Initially, I thought I heard Jets coach Robert Saleh tell Broncos coach Sean Payton to “stay humble,” as the two shook hands after New York’s win against Denver.

But that’s just what I wanted to hear, because I’m obsessed with TV drama. (Have you seen the latest season of Love Is Blind? Must-watch drama!) Anyway, back to Saleh, who clearly told Payton to “stay healthy.”

Saleh was right to take the high road. Sunday’s win should be and is all about Hackett, the former Broncos coach whom Payton was critical of in a candid interview before the season. The Jets were thrilled to get some payback for their beloved offensive coordinator. It was a sweet victory, but it was also another step in the right direction for Hackett’s offense, which has now received back-to-back impressive performances from quarterback Zach Wilson, the third-year player filling in for Aaron Rodgers.

We didn’t get a war of words between opposing coaches Sunday, but at least the Jets’ social media team had some fun at Payton’s expense. Perhaps this emotional win could be a turning point for the Jets (2–3). 

— Gilberto Manzano

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