FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- It's not hard to figure out the theme this week at One Jets Drive: Back to basics -- specifically, back to algebra.

Let's explain.

On Wednesday, New York Jets coach Todd Bowles was asked if the offense -- struggling during the team's 1-4 slump -- has lost its identity. He used a math analogy to explain that, yes, the offense has veered off course.

"We probably tried to go to trigonometry, when we should've stay with algebra," he said. "I think we're getting back to basics. Algebra was running the ball, throwing it when we can, and play action. And playing complementary football. We're trying to get back to that."

The obvious question is, why did they try to tackle trigonometry?

"I think it's a natural progression," Bowles said. "You go 4-1, and the more you win, the more creative you try to be, on both sides of the ball. At some point, it gets to a point where it's too creative. And then you've got to back down, and go back to basics, and try to get your feet back under you again."

Give Bowles credit for acknowledging that adjustments are needed on offense. At their best, the Jets are a ball-control team, pounding defenses with large doses of Chris Ivory. They've strayed from that blueprint in recent weeks. The "too creative" comment ... that's a bit of a head scratcher. It might be Bowles' way of saying they're passing too much.

Let's not forget the man's roots: Bowles is a defensive-minded coach and, as we saw with Rex Ryan over six years, defensive-minded coaches want to run the ball. The difference in philosophy led to a clash between Ryan and his last offfensive coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg, known for his pass-happy approach.

There's no evidence to suggest the same is happening between Bowles and Chan Gailey. For now, we'll call it an in-season self-evaluation/adjustment.

"I think that he's right," quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said of the algebra/trigonometry analogy. "We try to complicate things too much at times, and you almost end up outsmarting yourself. We want to get back to doing what we're good at, whether it's me or the routes the receivers are running, running backs, tight ends, linemen. We're going to play to our strengths, and do what we're good at -- and not try to be too cute."