Jets HC Robert Saleh Assesses Zach Wilson’s Week 15 Performance

SALT LAKE CITY – New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh offered an assessment of former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson‘s play during the team’s Week 15 loss to the Detroit Lions.

The Jets hosted the Lions at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, December 18. It was Wilson’s first action since he was benched following a loss on November 20.

Detroit held off New York for a 20-17 victory.

After the game, Saleh was asked to give his thoughts on Wilson’s performance. “I thought he played well,” the second-year head coach said of his young quarterback “Moved the ball, created explosive plays.”

Coach Saleh on QB Zach Wilson's performance. pic.twitter.com/dPaUnaUXc2

— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 18, 2022

After the Lions took a three-point lead with less than two minutes remaining, Wilson led the Jets into field goal range, thanks in part to a spectacular conversion on a fourth and long play. The Jets missed a game-tying field goal as time expired and the Lions captured their seventh win of the season.

Wow! What a play!#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #TakeFlight #DETvsNYJ #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL @kslsports pic.twitter.com/spAFoq9HGg

— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) December 18, 2022

Wilson finished the game 18/35 passing for 317 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He also ran the ball three times for seven yards. Wilson was sacked four times.

Jets QB Zach Wilson throws a 40-yard touchdown pass for his first TD pass since November 6. 💪 #LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #TakeFlight #DETvsNYJ #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL @kslsports pic.twitter.com/1sPTk8u7Ns

— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) December 18, 2022

Some of the bright spots in Wilson’s first start in nearly a month were the explosive plays highlighted by Saleh. The quarterback had completions of 33 (twice), 40, and 50 yards.

Following the game, Wilson said he was pleased with the explosive plays but added that the Jets need more consistent drives and that’s his responsibility as the quarterback.

.@ZachWilson on finding more consistency. pic.twitter.com/pCjLdqrUmd

— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 18, 2022

On the flip side, Wilson had some bad mistakes, including an interception and a couple of wobbly throws.

With Mike White suffering from three broken ribs, as reported by NFL Network and ESPN, Wilson is likely to get a second consecutive start with the Jets facing a short week.

.@ZachWilson ➡️ @cj_uzomah x2 for the go-ahead score.#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #TakeFlight #DETvsNYJ #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL @kslsports pic.twitter.com/H4n7KCzZrw

— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) December 18, 2022

New York’s next game is at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, December 22 at 6:15 p.m. (MDT). The game will be broadcast on Prime Video.

The Jets will enter the game with a 7-7 record. Jacksonville won in Week 15 and sits at 6-8 this season.

RELATED: Jets QB Zach Wilson Throws 40-Yard TD Pass On Perfect Drive Against Lions

About Zach Wilson

Before his time in the NFL, the Corner Canyon High School product had a standout career at BYU. Wilson helped the Cougars to an 11-1 record during his final season in Provo.

During Wilson’s rookie campaign last season, the former BYU standout missed four games because of a knee injury and threw for 2,334 yards, nine touchdowns, and 11 interceptions with a 55.6 completion rate.

The former BYU star underwent surgery in August after suffering a knee injury in New York’s preseason opener. He also suffered a knee injury last season as a rookie.

Without Wilson, the Jets opened the 2022 season with a 1-2 record. After returning, the Jets posted a 5-2 record with Wilson starting.

The BYU great was benched following a loss in November to the New England Patriots and was inactive for three games.

Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).

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