This just keeps getting better and better. The New York Jets were convinced either Tim Boyle or Trevor Siemian was going to be better at leading their offense than Zach Wilson. They demoted the former No. 2 overall pick to third string. Not that Wilson was some world beater, but it’s pretty clear Nathaniel Hackett can’t call plays in the NFL without Aaron Rodgers bailing him out of terrible situations.
Now? You literally cannot make this up. Per The Athletic, Gang Green is crawling back to Wilson to be their starting quarterback. Only problem is, Wilson reportedly doesn’t even want to play!
The Jets want to make a switch at QB. The team is leaning towards Zach Wilson to take over, but he is reluctant to stepping back in, sources tell @DMRussini and me. The team is hoping he changes his mind as they continue to discuss the next steps.
More on @TheAthletic shortly.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) December 4, 2023
There will be more later on this from the outlet, but we get the gist, don’t we? Wilson has legitimate reasons not to play. The Jets have benched him multiple times already. Their o-line is in shambles. No matter who’s been operating under center, New York’s offense is historically bad. And I mean that. History-making levels of futility seldom seen in the past quarter-century.
TruMedia's database goes back to 2000. There are 766 teams listed.
The #Jets in 2023 have the worst offensive EPA per play of all of them.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) December 4, 2023
Some scary numbers:
The Jets have 10 offensive TDs in 142 drives — a 7% TD rate. Since 2000, that ranks 765th out of 766 teams. The 2006 Raiders finished at 6.7%. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) December 4, 2023
Boyle had familiarity with Hackett’s system from their shared time in Green Bay. It certainly didn’t help when Boyle refused to throw to Garrett Wilson in Week 13. Head coach Robert Saleh had seen enough, tried to plug in Siemian to spark the offense, and it predictably backfired in the Jets’ 13-8 loss to the Falcons.
Jets offense through 12 games:
Jets 2020 Jets 2023
Points: 180 171
1st Dwn: 201 173
Total: 3322 yds 3121 yds
Pass: 2043 yds 2032 yds
Rush: 1279 yds 1089 yds pic.twitter.com/KiMfnAJhOL— NYJ Matt (@NYJ_Matt) December 4, 2023
When I say I don’t think I’ve laughed harder in quite a while at memes revolving around an article of sports news, I mean it. People are bringing it with these reactions to Wilson being called upon for duty once again.
Robert Saleh trying to convince Zach Wilson to take back the starting QB role pic.twitter.com/hDbmh1wEom
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) December 4, 2023
Literally Zach Wilson: https://t.co/ldmiRJtYuW pic.twitter.com/xYrjSQ6Q4O
— Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) December 4, 2023
Robert Saleh: Alright Zach you’re the starter again
Zach Wilson: pic.twitter.com/ux3bbVxz89
— Justin (@Justin_14P) December 4, 2023
Zach Wilson to the Jets as they beg him to become the starter again: pic.twitter.com/VcyduCUwV5 https://t.co/IcgFblxF1j
— theScore Bet (@theScoreBet) December 4, 2023
Robert Saleh calling Zach Wilson about starting at QB for the Jets#TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/gW1ByHwriG
— Greg Cover 1 🏈 (@GregTompsett) December 4, 2023
Zach Wilson, when The Jets told him they were going back to him this week as their starting QB. pic.twitter.com/enBkTFROmG
— TheOGfantasyfootball (@TheOGfantasy) December 4, 2023
Saleh: “Get back out there, Zach”
Zach Wilson: pic.twitter.com/0AoB0wL2K7
— Andrew Claudio (@AndrewJClaudio_) December 4, 2023
Ya’ll tried to shit on Zach Wilson and now you want him to play again? 🤣 Nahh bruh, the boy standing on business 💯#Jets pic.twitter.com/KeBG7PejBm
— Zoo krueger (@Zookrueger) December 4, 2023
Zach Wilson taking back over QB1 for the Jets
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 4, 2023
The Jets need Zach Wilson.
Full Circle Moment. pic.twitter.com/gn4jQNKj7e— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 4, 2023
Bob Saleh: "Sorry we thought you were worse than Tim Boyle. We're gonna need you back under center"
Zach Wilson: pic.twitter.com/sjbMsmNDhr
— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) December 4, 2023
Jets: “Hey Zach we want you back as QB1!”
Zach Wilson: pic.twitter.com/mxVAe1lRow
— Jared Block (@jaredrblock) December 4, 2023
Robert Saleh to Zach Wilson: pic.twitter.com/ocSEb6GUIm
— Dan De$p (@_dandesp) December 4, 2023
Zach Wilson getting the call that he’s QB1 again pic.twitter.com/11LScEF2AO
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) December 4, 2023
If I were Wilson, I’d stick to my guns. F*ck playing. There’s nothing to be gained from it, really, and you’re putting yourself at risk for an injury. No question he should seek out a fresh start with a new team and a modern offensive system after this season. In the meantime, we can just poke fun at the Jets for being a laughingstock yet again and long for the day Rodgers actually returns from that torn Achilles.
You just have to wonder at this point if Rodgers’ hand-picked play-caller and some of the personnel moves he insisted upon will last through the upcoming offseason. It’s gotten that bad for the Jets.
My hunch is Wilson comes around and tries to prove himself on the field yet again to audition more extensively for other teams. I just have a feeling he’s mentally broken as things currently stand in New York. We’ll see more of the same struggles to read defenses, deer-in-the-headlights hesitation, and more crotch-punch suffering for any sad souls who have to watch the Jets play offense.
