NY Jets’ Allen Lazard makes first comments about benching

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard talked about getting benched last week

One of the New York Jets’ biggest offseason signings publically addressed his benching for the first time.

At Wednesday’s media availability, wide receiver Allen Lazard spoke about being benched for last week’s game against the Miami Dolphins.

Lazard said he was “a little caught off guard” by being inactive for the game but said he saw Saleh’s reasoning after talking to him. The receiver added that he found out Wednesday and that there were no previous discussions about the benching prior to it happening.

When asked if he thought his play warranted a benching, Lazard said that “it is not his decision” and that “I just go out there and try to be the best me every single day.”

The receiver also said that “everyone would agree” that the Jets have not reached their expectations or goals “collectively or individually” this season.

“It’s a team sport. I would like to think that football is the most team-based sport there is. There is so much that has to happen for individuals to be successful, for the group to be successful, and for the team to be successful,” said Lazard.

“There are a lot of things that I, as an individual, can improve on, and collectively, as a group, we can improve on as well.”

Lazard’s words highlight the overall struggles the Jets have faced on offense this season. While the receiver has been a significant part of the team’s problems, the entire unit has failed on multiple levels.

In addition to the receivers, many other factors such as the play-calling, quarterback play, and offensive line have all contributed to the Jets’ abysmal offense. There is no single area to blame, as the 2023 version of the Jets offense has failed due to a collective effort.

So, while Lazard has played extremely poorly and not lived up to his contract, he is just a cog in the broken machine that is the Jets’ offense. Until that machine gets some wholesale repairs, the little tweaks implemented by the coaching staff this season, such as benching Lazard, will not do much to get the offensive unit moving in the right direction.

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