New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh did not commit to quarterback Zach Wilson as the team’s starting signal caller as the team prepares to take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday, only three weeks after stating that Wilson would be the teams’ starter for the remainder of the season, barring an injury.
Wilson has clearly lost some of the organization’s confidence, as he has struggled mightily this season, particularly in Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots, and it marks the first time that doubts have risen about the former 2nd overall draft pick.
“We’re keeping everything on the table over the next couple of days,” Saleh said, according to ESPN’s Rick Cimini.
Saleh was then asked if he was prepared to name the struggling Wilson as the team’s starter this week, to which he responded, “Not right now, not until I’m done evaluating everything.”
While Wilson has posted a 5-2 record this season as the Jets starter, he has played poorly for the last few games, with Sunday’s loss to the Patriots perhaps being his most brutal showing of the season. Wilson currently ranks 23rd in Total QBR (45.2) and 34th out of 34 qualified passers in completion percentage (55.6).
Wilson completed only 9 of 22 passes for a career-low 77 yards, but then sent social media into a frenzy with his post game comments. Wilson was asked if his performance let down the Jets defense, the quarterback showed very little accountability, responding with a simple, “No. No.”
Some Jets defensive players were reportedly upset by Wilson’s comments.
“Is it a mistake? Sure,” Saleh said. “Is it something he’ll be better from? Absolutely.”
Saleh said Wilson needs to understand “it’s our job to take the bullets and own it,” adding, “I don’t think it’s indicative of how he feels about his team or his teammates.
“When you put up 100 yards of offense [actually, 103], I don’t care how good New England is — and they are good — it’s unacceptable,” Saleh said. “It’s not NFL football.”
“I think we’ve got a championship-quality defense and I think we’ve got really good players on offense,” Saleh said. “From a schematic standpoint, I think we’re right there with everyone else. But I’m just trying to evaluate to see how we can get this offense going a little bit.”
