Zach Wilson Solidifies Role as Jets’ Starting Quarterback

If the Jets are going to make a postseason push towards the playoffs, something will need to change with their dreadful offense. At least this week, that change won’t occur at the quarterback position. A day after their 16-12 loss to the Raiders, Jets coach Robert Saleh told reporters that Zach Wilson will remain the team’s starting quarterback despite another mediocre performance from the third-year player. Against the Raiders, Wilson completed 23 of 39 passes for 263 yards with zero touchdowns and one critical interception to Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane with 1:14 left which essentially sealed the game for Las Vegas. The Jets had one last opportunity to win the game with five seconds left, but Wilson’s Hail Mary heave was incomplete. Since Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury four plays into the Jets season opener against the Bills on Sept. 11, the Jets offense has been completely dreadful. Gang Green ranks 29th in yards (283.1) and 30th in points (16) per game. Wilson has thrown for 1,863 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions in nine games. Because of his numbers, not only has Wilson come under fire recently, but so has Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. The Jets have gone 11 consecutive quarters without scoring a touchdown. The last time the Jets found the end zone was during the first quarter of their 13-10 overtime victory against the Giants on Oct. 29. If the Jets were to make a change at quarterback, the only other options are backup quarterback Tim Boyle or Trevor Siemian, who has been on the team’s practice squad since late September. Since then, the Jets have averaged nine points per game and are relying on kicker Greg Zuerlein to score points. Penalties have also continued to be a theme for the Jets offense. In their last three games, the Jets have committed 17 penalties for 208 yards, many wiping out significant plays offensively. That includes Sunday night when Breece Hall‘s touchdown was nullified by a holding penalty on tight end C.J. Uzomah. The Jets settled for a 30-yard Zuerlein field goal instead. With eight games left, the Jets are currently 13th in the AFC with a 4-5 record. The Jets are hoping that Rodgers can return for a run at the playoffs in December. During Sunday Night Football’s broadcast, NBC Sports reported that Rodgers is targeting a “mid-December” return from his Achilles injury. However, that might not happen if the Jets are out of the playoff race. Luckily for the Jets, the postseason does not start this week. However, time is beginning to run out unless their offense improves in the upcoming weeks.