The Zach Wilson era in New York is over
It was yet another disastrous evening in Zach Wilson‘s short NFL career.
On a rainy night in East Rutherford, Wilson was booed throughout as the New York Jets whimpered to a disappointing 19-3 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Wilson, making his second-straight start in place of the injured Mike White, put in one of the worst quarterback performances this season. It ended when he was replaced by Chris Streveler in the third quarter, after completing just nine of 18 passes for 92 yards and an interception.
“It starts with me,” Wilson said after the game in front of a disgruntled MetLife Stadium on Thursday night. “I have to be better.”
The lack of confidence in a former #2 overall pick is incredibly painful to see, particularly given the demise of a player with so much potential. Following the loss, commentators are already comparing Wilson to NFL busts like JaMarcus Russell.
The Jets slip to 7-8, with a playoff berth now all but out of the question. And unfortunately for him, Wilson is the face of that collapse.
All the potential, none of the consistency
It’s been less than two years since Zach Wilson was being heralded as the saviour of the Jets franchise.
But inconsistency in accuracy and ability to move the football, as well as failing to take accountability after the Patriots loss, has shattered his reputation with the Gang Green faithful, particularly this season. Head coach Robert Saleh felt that Wilson needed time on the bench to get his mind straight after the defeat to the New England Patriots earlier in the season, with Mike White coming in to start.
Replacing the side-lined White, Wilson’s return against the Lions was unconvincing, but the Jags defeat was the final nail in the coffin. A culmination of inaccurate throws, awareness in the pocket and just poor decision making in looking for receivers made his Prime Time debut all the more difficult to watch.
Wilson unfortunately isn’t the guy. White offers just what the Jets need to be a competitive football team.
What next?
“We haven’t seen the last of him,” Saleh insisted post-game. But in reality, the moment he benched Wilson for a practice squad in Streveler player on Thursday night, the coach gave up on any hope that Wilson might become the quarterback the Jets need. Even if he won’t admit it.
Saleh is about winning games. As a defensive guru, he must be devastated at how the championship-calibre defense he’s built in under two seasons is being tarnished by poor offensive play. He and the whole of the Jets front-office must get the quarterback position right this offseason, rather than waiting and potentially ruining this window of opportunity.
Of course, as a Wilson supporter, I would hate for his talent to go to waste. There is no question about his potential. But right now, with the Jets roster as it is, they cannot afford to wait. For New York, they should be targeting a proven starter in free agency, with the likes of Jimmy Garoppolo, Gardner Minshew and even a pipe-dream like Lamar Jackson mentioned as potential candidates.
Admitting that Zach has probably played his last game with Jets is difficult. But this cannot go on for the former BYU star. This marriage with the Jets is failing, and it looks best for both parties to move on.
