The drama surrounding the New York Jets quarterback situation took yet another twist Monday afternoon, with a surprise announcement by head coach Robert Saleh.
“We’re keeping everything on the table,” Saleh told reporters.
Translation: Forget what Saleh suggested about Zach Wilson remaining the quarterback after Sunday’s stunning 10-3 loss to the New England Patriots. The job is open to competition now. Saleh plans to evaluate the game tape and make a decision on the starter for next week.
Wilson looked terrible against the Patriots. He completed only 9-of-22 passes for 77 yards. He also was sacked four times.
The 23-year-old quarterback threw gasoline on the fire after the game. When a reporter asked if he felt bad for letting the defense down after their outstanding game, Wilson said “No,” refusing to elaborate.
It got worse: Several Jets players were reportedly upset with Wilson for acting “like he isn’t the problem” after the game.
Saleh addressed Wilson’s post-game comments, saying, “he could be better in front of the podium.”
“I don’t think it’s indicative of how he feels about his team or teammates,” Saleh said. “I don’t think he is naïve to the fact that offense wasn’t played to the best of their ability.”
The Jets’ backup quarterback is Mike White, but third-string QB Joe Flacco has started three games this season, averaging 300 yards per game.
NFL fans reacted to Saleh’s vow to “evaluate game tape” by saying the tape won’t be kind to Wilson.
Good thing Robert Saleh kept his receipt on the Zach Wilson purchase.
— Len Hochberg
(@LenHochberg) November 21, 2022
I remember the bums who said that Zach Wilson would be better then Tua before the season and the bum Jets fans who couldn't go a day without trashing Tua…… Oh what a time to be alive
—
Rome_G (@305_rome) November 21, 2022
They’ll lock Wilson out the building after they breakdown that tape. If it’s genuinely off the tape – there is no way they look at the tape and come back to the media on Wednesday and announce Wilson is still the starter.
— NYCSports (@yankeesflyjets) November 21, 2022
Good, as it should be. ZW played his way out of being a starter. Can’t even complete a screen pass
— Vinny (@VinnyC89) November 21, 2022
Was he not watching the game along with the rest of us? It’s even gonna look worse on tape when he sees all of the open receivers.
— Joseph Gems (@joeygems) November 21, 2022
"Zach Wilson is the worst quarterback in football. He has 4 TD passes on the year! … The Jets are once again in the market for a quarterback." — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/oHssRjhzuY
— What’s Wright? with Nick Wright (@WhatsWrightShow) November 21, 2022