FLORHAM PARK, NJ — New York Jets coach Robert Saleh defended embattled quarterback Zach Wilson Monday, but didn’t give him starting duty for this week — not yet, anyway.
Saleh wasn’t sure which quarterback will line up against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night and said Mike White (broken ribs) is still being evaluated by doctors. The conclusion is that he prefers White to Wilson, who is No. 2 overall in 2021, but Saleh insisted Wilson has a bright future and poked critics for being too harsh on the sophomore quarterback .
“The frustrating thing is that kid is going to be a good quarterback, but the NFL and this new instant coffee world that we’re in just don’t want to give people time,” Saleh said. “So we look at him and he’s just pecked with a fine comb.”
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It was Saleh, who benched Wilson for three games and handed the job to White, who moved the offense more effectively. White’s rib injury last week led to Wilson’s return on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, a 20-17 loss. Wilson passed for 317 yards and two touchdowns but had a costly interception in the third quarter and missed several open receivers.
The Jets (7-7), losers of three straight games, have virtually no margin for error in the playoff race, so Saleh’s quarterback decision is crucial.
Saleh praised Wilson despite the uneven performance, saying he’s “taken a big step” and “at least showed some maturity” in overcoming a poor third quarter.
“I’m really excited about him because in his past he kind of derailed when he hit a speed bump in a game,” Saleh said. “But I thought he did a really good job getting back on the rails and coming back up in the fourth quarter to lead a touchdown drive.”
Wilson’s 1-yard scoring pass to tight end CJ Uzomah gave the Jets a 17-13 lead, which they took on a 51-yard touchdown reception from Lions tight end Brock Wright in a fourth and 1 game that ended the Defense bluffed, immediately giving away again with 1:49 remaining.
On the Jets’ subsequent possession, Wilson hit three completions but also missed two open receivers and took two sacks. The game ended with a field goal miss by Greg Zuerlein from 58 yards.
“I gotta get better, man,” Wilson said after the game.
“The frustrating thing is that kid is going to be a good quarterback, but the NFL and this new instant coffee world we’re in just don’t want to give people time. So we look at him and he’s justly pecked with a fine-toothed comb.”
Jets coach Robert Saleh on Zach Wilson
Jets coach Robert Saleh on Zach WilsonSaleh said he wants to name a starter “pretty quickly” in the short week. White was cleared for practice but not for contact. He was not released by the Jets last week. White said he consulted with about 10 outside doctors, none of whom acquitted him.
“There are more scans to see how far he’s healed,” Saleh said. “There was talk of feeling like a week would show more healing, some callous if you will, to get on the field. He would have to get that from another doctor and still be able to talk to our doctors about it. So there are a lot of hurdles he would have to overcome [to start].”
White was injured against the Buffalo Bills eight days ago. The Jets said the plan last week was to start him against the Lions, but they made a surprise announcement last Friday, naming Wilson the starter.
Saleh insisted that Wilson’s draft family tree was not a factor in the decision-making process. The Jets have pledged him $35 million in guarantees, but the best players are playing, Saleh said.
“That will never change,” he said.
In terms of injuries, the Jets are bullish on defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (Wade) and wide receiver Corey Davis (concussion) Thursday night. Both sat out on Sunday. Wide receiver Denzel Mims (concussion) is not expected to play.