The New York Jets are in the middle of a nightmare season that can’t end soon enough.
Losers of five consecutive games, Gang Green’s record stands at 4-8 and it’s become obvious that no Aaron Rodgers miracle will be coming this season.
After benching former second-overall draft pick Zach Wilson (for the millionth time), the Jets were hoping that Tim Boyle would provide them with a shred of competency at quarterback.
Sadly, that shred of competency never came, causing head coach Robert Saleh to consider going back to Wilson at quarterback for this week’s game against the Houston Texans.
However, according to an alarming report, Wilson is “reluctant” to accept the starting job.
Dianna Russini and Zack Blatt of The Athletic reported about Wilson’s hesitancy to step back into the batter’s box … As most people know, Russini is extremely well-connected to the Jets, so it’s hard to downplay her reporting.
“The Jets want to make a switch at QB. The team is leaning towards Zach Wilson to take over, but he is reluctant to stepping back in, sources tell @zackBlatt and me. The team is discussing next steps,” she tweeted.
The Jets want to make a switch at QB. The team is leaning towards Zach Wilson to take over, but he is reluctant to stepping back in, sources tell @zackBlatt and me. The team is discussing next steps. More on @theathletic shortly.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) December 4, 2023
Predictably, Saleh denied the report, stating: “Let’s be clear. If he was reluctant to play, guys, he wouldn’t be here. The young man wants the ball, he wants to start, he believes he’s the best quarterback in the room and the best quarterback for this team and the guy who gives us the best chance to win.”
Maybe Saleh is telling the truth. Maybe the report is nonsense … But again, Russini is a very credible reporter – especially when it comes to the Jets.
Literally Zach Wilson: https://t.co/ldmiRJtYuW pic.twitter.com/xYrjSQ6Q4O
— Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) December 4, 2023
The quarterback carousel began when Wilson was officially benched after the Jets 32-6 blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 11.
Boyle assumed the starting role, but his performance left much to be desired. In three total games, including two starts, Boyle managed only 360 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions.
He was replaced by journeyman Trevor Siemian during Sunday’s loss to the Falcons.
When Zach Wilson was asked to start again for the Jets. pic.twitter.com/S7j5lIWDwt
— Lawrence Tynes (@lt4kicks) December 5, 2023
“I don’t think I was scapegoated. Absolutely not. You’ve got to look at the situation. We’re not scoring touchdowns. Regardless of what I’m doing, my job as a quarterback is to help us score points. I can sit here and say I’ve had a bunch of growth and tremendous whatever this year, but if you’re not scoring touchdowns, it doesn’t matter. It really doesn’t. And I get that,” Wilson said at the time of his benching.
Robert Saleh trying to convince Zach Wilson to take back the starting QB role pic.twitter.com/hDbmh1wEom
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) December 4, 2023
This entire season has been a complete disaster for the Jets … There’s no other way to put it.
Wilson was never supposed to step foot on the field. Rodgers was supposed to be the guy leading Gang Green on a playoff run … But we all know how that turned out.
Having said that, it was downright irresponsible for general manager Joe Douglas to enter this season with Wilson as the primary backup.
It’s understandable that they never planned on Rodgers suffering a catastrophic injury … But it’s the GM’s job to ensure that there’s a capable backup quarterback on the roster – and we ALL know, Wilson is anything but capable.
.@ShannonSharpe and @ochocinco get into a heated debate over the Jets Zach Wilson saga 🤣
Come Hang Nightcap is LIVE: https://t.co/SQHlnDL6WB pic.twitter.com/EVvCgGktKT
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) December 5, 2023
What do you think of the report?
Do you believe that Wilson is actually reluctant to take the starting job back? … If it’s true, what does that say about Wilson as a competitor???