Jets' Saleh supports Zach Wilson, blasts NFL's 'instant-coffee' era
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Monday it's just a matter of time until quarterback Zach Wilson establishes himself as a solid NFL player.
"The frustrating thing is that this kid is going to be a good quarterback, but the NFL and this new instant-coffee world that we're in just doesn't want to give people time," Saleh said, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. "So, we look at him and he's just nitpicked with a fine-tooth comb."
Saleh's comments come a day after the Jets suffered a 20-17 home loss to the Detroit Lions. Saleh and his coaching staff benched Wilson for Mike White before Week 12, but White didn't face the Lions due to a ribs injury. Wilson, who struggled in seven starts early this season, completed 18 of 35 passes for 317 yards and two touchdowns against one interception versus Detroit.
"I'm really pumped for him because, in his past, when he hit a speed bump in a game, he kind of derails," Saleh said of Wilson, who struggled in the third quarter Sunday. "But I thought he did a really good job of getting back on the rails and swinging back up in the fourth quarter to lead a touchdown drive."
Wilson has failed to meet expectations since entering the NFL as the second overall pick in 2021. The 23-year-old tossed only nine touchdowns against 11 picks in 13 appearances as a rookie. He's passed for only six scores through eight games this year while posting a 54.9% completion rate, down from 55.6% in 2021.
Despite showing support for Wilson, Saleh refused to name a starter for Thursday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. White, who wasn't cleared for contact before Week 15, is still being evaluated by team doctors. He completed 62% of his passes for three touchdowns to two interceptions in three starts this year.
The 7-7 Jets are currently the No. 9 seed in the AFC. The 8-6 Miami Dolphins currently own the conference's final wild-card spot.