In the NFL, the quarterback usually gets too much credit or blame, which may be true with Zach Wilson and the New York Jets.
Wilson wasn’t good for the second week in a row, and also for the second week in a row, the Jets(1-2) would lose as they fell to the New England Patriots(1-2), 15-10, at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
The third-year quarterback completed only 18 of 36 passes for 157 yards. New York’s offense sputtered for most of the game. They couldn’t run the ball; The Jets had only 38 yards rushing on 22 carries, and Wilson was sacked three times. He was under pressure for most of the game.
Wilson says he’s frustrated but knows the offense must stick together.
“It is extremely frustrating, but really working on just how can we go next play, next play, next play mentality,” Wilson said after the game. “I think we all trust in each other more than ever, especially as these times get tough and people count us out; we have to lean on each other because I think we have the group, and these guys are going to keep learning, growing and we’re going to keep getting better together.”
Jets head coach Robert Saleh believes Wilson is still the guy for New York, and not all the issues on offense are his fault.
“We’re still early in the season,” Saleh said. “We knew that even with Aaron (Rodgers) at quarterback, we knew that there was going to be some hiccups along the way because of the new offense, new play caller, new o-line, just new players all over the offensive side of the ball. And now you’ve got this curveball that was sent to us, so they’re acclimating, and they’re going to get better. But it’s still very early in the season.”
The Jets have a team that can compete now, but after three weeks, their quarterback appears to need more time to be ready to win. Despite that, Saleh is sticking with Wilson.
“Right now, he’s who gives us the best chance to win,” Saleh said. “Basically, that would be the cleanest answer I can give you.”
Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who caught five passes for 48 yards, also still believes in Wilson.
“That’s my dawg, and he can spin,” Wilson said. “Yeah, man. All the confidence in the world. You know, we have to figure it out on offense as a whole.”
Jets’ fans were not too happy with the team’s offense, but Wilson said there’s still hope.
“Keep believing,” Wilson said. “I truly believe we got the guys; we’re going to keep doing everything we can to get better. We understand the frustrations; it’s not fun to go three-and-out, it’s not fun to not establish drives and play football and score touchdowns. We understand that, and we’re doing everything we can; we’re going to get better.”
Unfortunately, it doesn’t get any easier for the Jets as they host the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday night. Saleh may still believe in Wilson, but something will have to change if he continues to play this way. It’s that simple.
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