Braelon Allen's brutal observation after Patriots loss raises eyebrows at Aaron Glenn

Those old enough to have worked in the corporate world (or who have endured decades of rooting for the New York Jets) are likely familiar with the “compliment sandwich.” You start with something good, then get into the negatives, and close on a positive note. 

Take the Jets’ 2026 offense, for example. Geno Smith remains a competent starter, and he’s certainly an upgrade over last year’s rotating carousel. So there’s the top half of your bread, but what about the meat? Where do we start with the flaws?

Running back Braelon Allen certainly had an idea, even if it’s one that Aaron Glenn and Frank Reich likely won’t be thrilled to hear.

“Like we’ve been preaching, Jets got to stop playing against Jets,” Allen said after Sunday’s 26-19 loss to the Patriots. “Offense [has] got to stop playing against ourselves, and we’ll be good.”

For those in the Jets’ building who can’t get Woody Johnson on Line 1, we suggest they send him that video immediately.

Braelon Allen just gave New York Jets owner Woody Johnson further reason to consider coaching changes

Let us reiterate that Allen didn’t seem to be directing his comments at Glenn and Reich. The offense has had its moments, and the third-year running back finished with 104 total yards (78 rushing, 26 receiving) on 19 touches on Sunday afternoon. Rookie receiver Omar Cooper Jr. had his first 100-yard game, and Mason Taylor set season highs in catches (four) and yards (33) on six targets.

No one should ignore Allen’s observations about the unit, and they can’t — at least not if the Jets intend to rally from a 2-4 start. What does it say about Glenn and Reich that a third-year running back, albeit one pressed into starting duty, says, “Jets got to stop playing against Jets” and all but confirms nothing has changed on or off the field?

And with respect to Allen, where are the offensive veterans to offer such pointed analysis? Joe Tippmann just signed a four-year deal with $32 million guaranteed this past summer. Garrett Wilson is one of the team’s longest-tenured players. 

Allen has done more than his role in Breece Hall’s absence, and he’s earned the right to speak his mind. We can talk all we want about Glenn’s 5-18 record, and Johnson must consider it when deciding the second-year coach’s future.

But the Jets’ clear lack of fundamentals, from penalties to continued poor play in the final two minutes of games, could — and should — be the difference between him earning another season and getting his walking papers by mid-January. 

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