FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Trashed two months ago by Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton, New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett finally gets his chance for revenge on Sunday. If you believe Hackett, it's not even on his mind.
A tight-lipped Hackett downplayed the long-anticipated showdown, choosing Thursday to give only cursory responses to questions about Payton and his return trip to Denver. The feeling among Hackett's players, though, is different.
Center Connor McGovern believes Hackett was unfairly criticized by Payton, who told USA Today in late July that Hackett's 15-game tenure last season was "one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL.