New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is still facing questions about Zach Wilson’s performance nine weeks into the season. This was amplified after the Jets’ 27-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday. Saleh addressed these concerns at his weekly news conference and on “The Michael Kay Show.”
During his interview with Kay, Saleh was questioned as to why practice squad quarterback Trevor Siemian was not given a chance to start over Wilson. Saleh seemed flustered, admitting, “I’m going to plead the fifth on this one… They’re valid questions. I know from a passionate fan, from fans who are passionate all having the same questions, I respect it greatly.”
Saleh reiterated his defense of Wilson’s play, attributing New York’s offensive struggles to a collective failure. He told reporters, “If it was just him, it would be something worth discussing. But this is a collective issue that we all need to get on the same page with.”
The coach’s comments plead for an understanding of the larger picture. He expressed that the Jets’ offensive struggles are beyond just Wilson’s shortcomings. The team’s perceived inability to compete for a championship has long been due to the absence of a standout quarterback. Wilson, who replaced an injured Aaron Rodgers, has yet to exhibit progress from his earlier seasons with a 59.9% pass completion and 5 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in eight games.
The Jets are in dire need of a solution at quarterback, but until then, questions about Wilson’s ability will persist.
