The Jets opened their 2011 campaign with a 2–3 record, leading to discontent within their clubhouse. The team had begun to stray from its philosophy of consistently running the ball and began to pass more often, but the offense struggled with this adjustment. Wide receivers Plaxico Burress, Santonio Holmes, and Derrick Mason reportedly approached coach Ryan to question offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's system.
The Jets started their 2011 season with a record of 2-3, which led to dissatisfaction among the players. The team had shifted away from its traditional run-heavy offense and began passing more frequently, but this change proved difficult for the offense. Wide receivers Plaxico Burress, Santonio Holmes, and Derrick Mason expressed their concerns about offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's system to head coach Rex Ryan.