After Aaron Rodgers’ devastating Achilles injury, the New York Jets were forced to turn to disappointing former top draft pick Zach Wilson. The results, at least thus far, have been predictably catastrophic.
In his first start in Rodgers’ absence, Wilson threw three picks in a blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Wilson wasn’t really much better in a winnable home game — on paper, anyway — against the division-rival New England Patriots on Sunday. Wilson was horrific, completing 18-of-36 passes for just 157 yards in a 15-10 defeat to help drop the Jets to 1-2. Anyone who had hoped adjacency to Aaron Rodgers during the offseason would’ve helped Wilson grow should be shelving those unrealistic thoughts now.
After the Jets sputtered about, head coach Robert Saleh was asked about keeping Wilson in as New York’s starter. While he didn’t tear Wilson down, Saleh’s answer couldn’t have possibly sounded less confident:
"Right now, he's who gives us the best chance to win."
– Robert Saleh on Zach Wilson remaining the Jets' quarterback pic.twitter.com/AejUXvPlCK
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) September 24, 2023
That does not sound like a coach who believes in his quarterback. In fact, the use of “right now” sounds like Saleh is just hoping New York finds someone else to salvage what is quickly resembling a lost 2023 season. Wilson is predictably sinking the Jets, and they’re running out of time and excuses.