The New York Jets made the tough decision on Monday to bench third-year quarterback Zach Wilson. And Wilson opened up about that decision while talking to reporters on Tuesday.
Wilson simply hasn’t gotten it done offensively for the Jets offense. And while it obviously can be argued whether veteran quarterback Tim Boyle will be any better, the Jets felt that it was best to make a change.
Some would feel slighted after being benched for a player like Boyle. But Wilson acknowledged that he simply didn’t play well enough during his opportunities this season.
“I don’t think I was scapegoated, absolutely not,” said Wilson while talking with reporters. “You have to look at the situation. “We’re not scoring touchdowns. Regardless of what I’m doing, my job as a quarterback is to help us score points. I can sit here and say that I’ve had a bunch of growth this year. But if you aren’t scoring touchdowns it doesn’t matter. And I get that.”
Zach Wilson doesn't think he was scapegoated for the Jets' offensive issues:
"We're not scoring touchdowns. Regardless of what I'm doing, my job as a quarterback is to help us score points." pic.twitter.com/g8ohXig2Em
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) November 21, 2023
It’s an incredibly mature answer from Wilson, and many fans credited him for owning up to his shortcomings in New York this year.
How can you not root for this version of Zach Wilson? He’s saying everything right. I’m a diehard, loyal Jets fan. I’m going to root for Boyle. But I can still wish that he had gotten it right. I’ll also root for him on his next team … so long as it’s not the Patriots.
— Chubby George Clooney (@traderfg) November 21, 2023
Out of any QB the jets drafted in the past 15 years, this one hurts the most. How can you not root for this kid with the electric arm talent that he has. Hope he has a long career somewhere
— Jesse Dodt (@jdodt28) November 21, 2023
Respect Zach the person….he has matured a lot
— 2020 (@ThatsTwenty20) November 21, 2023
Zach Wilson is still a leader & talks like one. He’s taking responsibility for dropped passes, bad penalties, no running game & so-so play calling. #AGNB
— J. Russell Sharpe (@RussSharpe) November 22, 2023
Jets fans crucify him but he’s the only player to ever take accountability. The rest just sit there and point fingers.
— glory (@JGVQ0) November 21, 2023
As a Jets fan, I’ll tell you – he will be back starting before the season ends. The other 2 will struggle just as much. It’s Simean’s 2nd stint with the Jets, 1st stint ended the same way how Rodgers start with Jets ended. Zach is at least way more atheletic than the other 2.
— John Francis (@johnskfrancis) November 21, 2023
Not only was Wilson stripped of his starting job, but he also slipped all the way to third-string behind veteran quarterback Trevor Siemian.
It’s obviously unclear whether Wilson will ever suit up for the Jets again considering this is his second time being relegated from their starter.
But it’s hard not to root for someone who owns up to every mistake he makes. And hopefully, he can use this experience as a building block for other opportunities throughout his career.
