After being benched for the past two weeks, head coach Robert Saleh announced that Zach Wilson is back as the New York Jets’ starting quarterback
The New York Jets’ quarterback carousel continues to spin.
At his Wednesday media availability, head coach Robert Saleh announced that Zach Wilson will be re-inserted as the starting quarterback in Week 14.
Coach Saleh announces QB Zach Wilson will start Sunday vs. Houston pic.twitter.com/xKgvQukgMO
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 6, 2023
The Jets’ head coach said that Wilson is “fired up” and is “excited to get the opportunity to finish the season strong.”
Saleh spoke about why he is returning to Wilson after demoting him to the team’s emergency third quarterback.
“We always believed he was the best quarterback in terms of giving us a chance to win. Tim and Trevor, trying to spark the offense, are two very talented quarterbacks. But in my opinion, Zach gives us the best chance to win.”
Saleh expanded on this decision by saying that when Wilson “plays with that mentality to just let it rip, he’s pretty good.”
Asked about the recent reports surrounding Wilson’s reluctance to play, Saleh dismissed having any concern about it.
“I am not concerned one bit about that report within the locker room. I have my reasons, but Zach is in a great place, the locker room is in a great place, and he will be ready to play ball.”
The decision to go back to Wilson is another attempt for the Jets to find success on offense. Wilson was not exactly effective when starting this season, but he was somehow better than the other options the team has put out there this season.
It is interesting to hear Saleh say Wilson plays better with an aggressive mentality, as he has been one of the main proponents of the former BYU quarterback playing safe football. The comments about him always being “the best chance for the team to win” do not line up with how he was handled over the past few weeks.
Alas, it will be surprising to see the Jets offense suddenly undergo a metamorphosis to end the season. It has been talked about to no end, but the team’s offensive issues go far beyond just the quarterback position.
Wilson may give the Jets the best chance to win, but without other considerable changes to the offense’s mentality and structure, it will ultimately not matter much.
