28 September 2023 , 14:27
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New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has appeared to change his stance on quarterback Zach Wilson.
Ever since veteran QB Aaron Rodgers sustained a season-ending injury on his NFL debut for the Jets, attention on Wilson’s performances has been intensified. Rodgers sustained an Achilles’ injury just four plays into his debut for the Jets and is now expected to remain on the sidelines for the remainder of the 2023 season.
Following the injury to Rodgers, Wilson has stepped in to be the starting quarterback for the Jets. The third-year QB was drafted by the Jets with the second-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Wilson helped the Jets beat the Buffalo Bills in the same game that Rodgers was withdrawn due to injury. However, the subsequent games have resulted in defeats to the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots.
As a result, there has been criticism pointed at Wilson by sections of NFL analysts, including Hall of Fame ex-Jets QB Joe Namath and ESPN's Stephen A. Smith. But Saleh had stated his support for Wilson for the 2023 season.
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That stance may have changed on Wednesday, though, based on fresh comments from the Jets head coach. Saleh was asked about Wilson’s current form and made an admission about the young quarterback.
“We all acknowledge he has to play better. We all acknowledge that,” Saleh told reporters on Wednesday, via .
“He acknowledges it, teammates acknowledge it, he acknowledges it himself, but the key is to have confidence in yourself. You have to.”
Saleh’s comments came just days after the Jets added a new quarterback to the team’s roster. Trevor Siemian has been signed by the Jets and is set to compete for the starting QB role at the MetLife Stadium alongside Wilson and Tim Boyle.
These comments are seemingly different from what Saleh said on Monday, a day after the Jets lost to the Patriots. Saleh stated earlier this week that he had full confidence in Wilson to become the franchise quarterback for the Jets in the future.
“He’s our unquestioned quarterback, guys,” Saleh told reporters on September 25. “As long as he continues to show in his preparation, the way he’s been practicing and even in these games, guys.
“He’s not the reason we lost yesterday [versus the Patriots]. It’s always a team effort. As long as he continues to show improvement, and I know from a box score standpoint it’s not showing, he’s going to be our quarterback.”
The Jets 1-2 are for the season heading into the Week Four contest against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.