The New York Jets red hot four-game winning streak came to a stunning halt in Week 8.
The New England Patriots played a ball-control offense and forced Gang Green quarterback Zach Wilson into several mistakes during a 22-17 loss.
After the game, the future of Wilson as the starting quarterback was suddenly thrown into question by fans and media analysts alike.
Robert Saleh Makes Strong Stance on Jets QB Zach Wilson
Head coach Robert Saleh was asked after the loss how he planned on preventing the rest of the team from getting frustrated with the second-year quarterback:
“We got faith in Z. He has played good football, he’s been taking care of the football since he has gotten back, and he has shown flashes of good football. Everyone in the locker room still has his back.”
#Jets HC Robert Saleh strongly defended his QB Zach Wilson (@ZachWilson) after the #Patriots loss, ‘we got faith in Z, he’s played good football, & he has shown flashes’ + ‘everyone in the locker room still has his back’ 😤: 🎥 @nyjets #TakeFlight #NEvsNYJ
Wilson certainly didn’t take care of the ball in this contest. After going three straight games without throwing an interception, the former BYU passer seemingly made up for lost time on Sunday.
He tossed three ugly interceptions and struggled to find his groove. This was a classic case of that situation in an NFL world where games are often lost, not won.
Wilson went 20-of-41 (49 percent completion percentage) for 355 passing yards. He had two touchdown passes but it was also paired with those three turnovers.
The Jets were in this game throughout the entire contest thanks to some elite defense. Gang Green racked up six sacks and forced a turnover.
If New York would have managed average quarterback play in this contest, there is a strong case to be made that they could have won it. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen and the Jets suffered a tough loss and their first L in the division.
Evaluating the Jets QB Situation With Zach Wilson
Right now the Jets have three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster: Wilson, veteran Joe Flacco, and developmental piece Mike White.
On the practice squad, the Jets also have fan-favorite Chris Streveler.
Based on Saleh’s comments it sure seems like they are going to ride it out with Wilson. There have been some statistical questions over the last batch of games, however, this is the first time his poor play has cost the team in the win column.
As a starting quarterback this season, Wilson is 4-1, with this Patriots loss being the only black mark on his resume.
Up next the Jets will host the AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills in Week 9. That game will technically still be for first place in the division.
Regardless of what the Bills do on Sunday Night Football versus the Green Bay Packers, they will either get to six wins or remain at five wins.
Buffalo is 0-1 in the division after losing to the Miami Dolphins back in Week 3. The Jets now sit at 5-3 on the season.
Following that game, the Jets will enter their bye week and won’t play another game until November 20. That of course is when Gang Green will get their second whack at the Patriots, albeit this time in Foxboro.
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Robert Saleh Sounds off on Future of Jets QB Zach Wilson