Aaron Rodgers assesses Jets' interim head coach after 5 games

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The New York Jets are asking a lot of Jeff Ulbrich. There's no way around it.

After abruptly firing Robert Saleh, the Jets tabbed the defensive coordinator as their interim head coach charged with reviving an underperforming roster. Ulbrich faces the ultimate challenge of keeping the ship afloat and guide the group to achieve its full potential by ending the franchise's 14-year playoff drought.

Although New York has won only one of five games since Ulbrich took the reins, the interim head coach has managed to keep the train from flying off the rails according to quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

"Brick's done a really good job of trying to find ways to motivate the guys to keep them together because this could have gone south. I'm not just talking about wins and losses, from a personality, cohesion, standard, as far as guys just kind of splintering and breaking off," said Rodgers.

While stepping into the head coaching crucible, Ulbrich also retains defensive play calling responsibilities. Double duty may be asking a little too much of a first-time boss who took over on a moment's notice.

Despite the team's struggles, Rodgers proclaimed strong support for Ulbrich.

"I think Brick is an NFL head coach, whether it's here, moving forward or down the line. I mean, he is a leader of men and I'll stand by him. I'd love to play for him until the end, so I have a lot of love and respect for him," said Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP.

Even with the Jets at 3-7 overall, Rodgers suggested that there's been progress in recent weeks.

"I think that you're looking at it in a strictly binary wins and losses terms. What Brick's done, the way that we've practiced, I feel like there has been great changes. I feel like he's done some really good things," said Rodgers.