Jets’ QB situation gets messier: Does Zach Wilson want to play again? – Marca English
Zach Wilson may not have been the problem plaguing the New York Jets‘ 30th-ranked offense…but head coach Robert Saleh decided that he wasn’t a solution, either.
However, things aren’t getting any better for New York in what can only be described as a “lost season” following the week 1 Achilles injury to Aaron Rodgers. And as such, Wilson could be reinstated as the Jets‘ starting quarterback for week 14, when the playoff-chasing Houston Texans come to MetLife Stadium.
Zach Wilson denies being the problem in the New York Jets offense
Social media was enraptured with the unfolding drama Monday, as a report from The Athletic indicated that Wilson was “hesitant” to play again this season following his benching on Nov. 20. Saleh tried to dispel the talk that Wilson was unwilling to harm his 2024 value by trotting out for the Jets again this season — but the situation remains alarming, and Monday’s press conference ended without a starter being named.
Saleh paints a different picture
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Saleh said Wilson “wants to start,” and that the former #2 overall pick “believes he’s the best quarterback in the room.” But the third-year head coach is still mulling his options under center as the Jets just try to make it through the season.
The Jets named Tim Boyle their starter ahead of the Black Friday matchup with the Miami Dolphins. New York lost that game heavily, by a 34-13 final — and Boyle, notably, threw a 99-yard pick-six to end the first half.
Boyle was benched during the Jets‘ 13-8 loss Sunday to the Atlanta Falcons, with Trevor Siemian replacing him. Siemian completed only five passes and fumbled three times as the Jets slumped to a fifth straight loss, all but ending their slim playoff hopes.
Jets have just 10 offensive touchdowns this season
Saleh on Monday insisted that Wilson wants to play Sunday if called upon — and judging on how Boyle and Siemian ran the offense, the 24-year-old might be the Jets‘ best bet to spring an upset.
The Jets didn’t score a touchdown on Monday, and their Rodgers-less offense has punched it into the end zone only 10 times in 12 games. Only two teams have scored fewer points than New York, which entered the season with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations behind a defense that has played largely as well as advertised.
Instead, it will be a 13th consecutive season out of the playoffs — although the New England Patriots may prevent the Jets from finishing last in the AFC East.
