Jets Head Coach Noncommittal On Zach Wilson As Starting Quarterback
Nov 21, 2022, 7:15 PM
Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets looks on during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh shared a noncommittal statement regarding former BYU star Zach Wilson as his starting quarterback for Week 12 of the 2022 NFL season.
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On Monday, November 21, the second-year head coach discussed New York’s QB1 job a day after the Jets suffered a 10-3 loss to the New England Patriots, their second loss in three weeks to the AFC East rival.
Wilson struggled in the contest by passing for only 77 yards on nine completions out of 22 attempts. The performance earned a 24.5 QBR. Wilson also ran the ball three times for 26 yards.
A day after the game, Wilson’s coach failed to back the former BYU star as the team’s definitive starter moving forward.
“We’re keeping everything on the table over the next couple of days,” Saleh said regarding Wilson’s status as the Jets’ starting quarterback for Week 12. “Not right now, not until I’m done evaluating everything.”
Robert Saleh says he will evaluate game tape from yesterday and will "keep everything on the table" in regards to who will be the quarterback on Sunday
Saleh said he will not commit to Zach Wilson starting vs. the Bears right now. pic.twitter.com/JvZ28uHOX8
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) November 21, 2022
In addition to no vote of confidence from his head coach, Wilson did himself zero favors with his postgame remarks on Sunday afternoon.
When asked if he felt that he was letting down New York’s impressive defense, Wilson responded, “No.”
.@Connor_J_Hughes: "Do you feel like you let the defense down at all?"
Zach Wilson: "No." pic.twitter.com/tiJiTSrFPE
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) November 20, 2022
Saleh and Wilson’s teammates would surely like to hear a better response from their quarterback and team captain.
“Is it a mistake? Sure,” Saleh said of Wilson’s comment. “Is it something he’ll be better from? Absolutely.”
Robert Saleh says Zach Wilson "could be better in front of the podium" and take responsibility:
"I don't think it's indicative of how he feels about his team or teammates. I don't think he is naïve to the fact that offense wasn't played to the best of their ability" pic.twitter.com/0yJi9zNK6n
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) November 21, 2022
This season, Wilson ranks among the bottom tier of NFL quarterbacks in multiple statistical categories, with the exception of interceptions thrown with five pick (11th in the NFL).
Wilson has played in seven of New York’s 10 games this season after he missed the opening few weeks due to a preseason injury. Since returning on October 2, Wilson has thrown for 1,279 yards (31st in the league) and four touchdowns (tied for 32nd) with a completion rate of 55.6 percent (34th). His QBR for the season is 45.2, which ranks 23rd. He’s also run the ball 24 times for 94 yards and a touchdown.
Jets coach Robert Saleh on Zach Wilson: “I do think he’s the ultimate competitor. He wants to win as much as anybody. It means so much to him. Can he be better in front of you guys, yea, of course, he can. But I don’t think it’s indicative of how he feels."
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) November 21, 2022
With the loss, the Jets fell to a 6-4 record, good for third place in the AFC East.
New York’s next game is at home against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, November 27 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX.
TD pass No. 1 this season for @ZachWilson. ✈️#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #TakeFlight #NYJvsPIT #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL @kslsports pic.twitter.com/q29Y0NHjAu
— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) October 2, 2022
About Zach Wilson
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. Since returning, the Jets have posted a 5-2 record.
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.
.@ZachWilson on 🎯 #LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #NEvsNYJ #TakeFlight #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL @kslsports pic.twitter.com/rqCeNJH4EB
— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) October 30, 2022
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.
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).
