New York Jets fans came into the season hoping they’d found a quarterback to rally around. They just might not have been thinking about the specific one they’d end up wanting.
Jets fans have been high on Mike White ever since he stepped in to replace the injured Zach Wilson, who was expected to be the fresh-faced quarterback that fans pinned their hopes to. Instead, they’ve watched a White has put up solid numbers and, more importantly, led the team to victory. White became the first NFL quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards while also completing over 75 percent of his passes in his first start, which also happened to be during a 34-31 win. White was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after that game.
Last weekend, White went 7-11 for 95 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game with a forearm injury. The door was opened for whether or not White would continue to get the start or if he’d be replaced by Joe Flacco while the team waits on Wilson’s return.
On Wednesday, head coach Robert Saleh announced that White would make his third-straight start this weekend when the Jets take on the Buffalo Bills.
Jets’ HC Robert Saleh announced QB Mike White will start Sunday vs. Buffalo.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 10, 2021
The reaction from NFL circles was extremely positive, with many people saying that White should be given the keys to the team for the remainder of the season, or at least until it becomes clear that he isn’t the answer.
Can’t fool the players in the locker room. Players want to win and the guy who gives them the best chance right now…#MikeWhite
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) November 10, 2021
Mike White deserves to start the rest of the season
— Luke Sawhook 🪚🪝 (@lukesawhook) November 10, 2021
When Saleh says that the QB situation will resolve itself "organically". What he means is, Mike White will continue to start as long as he's playing at a high standard. If and when he starts to struggle, they'll move back to Zach. #TakeFlight #Jets
— David Wyatt-Hupton (@DWyattHupton) November 10, 2021
Saleh was asked if White will still be the starter once Wilson is officially healthy and left the door open to determine that based on how things look then.
Asked if Mike White will still be the starter in two weeks, Robert Saleh said: "We’ll see. It is a 2-4 week injury (for Zach Wilson). He’s trending in the right direction. We’ll see how he practices this week and see how he feels."
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) November 10, 2021
If White can continue to put up solid numbers, it’s certainly going to give the coaching staff something to think about when Wilson is ready to go.