New York Jets Benching Zach Wilson Is A Headscratcher

By now, New York Jets fans have heard that starting QB Zach Wilson won’t be the starter for Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Bears. It is no shocker that Wilson is benched after a poor play against the division rival New England Patriots. However, the Jets are coming off a big win against another division rival in the Buffalo Bills. While even that is a bit odd, Wilson has played poorly all year and when he’s not playing poorly, he’s hovering slightly below average. The actual strange part of this ordeal came when head coach Robert Saleh explained his decision.

(Speaking of Zach) “The young man needs a reset” while also implying he’ll be back under center as the starter. To borrow a line from Trent Crimm on the hit tv show Ted Lasso “Is this a f—–g joke?!?”. It has to be right? Yes, Wilson has played abysmal at times, but the Jets are turning over their not to their back up quarterback Joe Flacco. They’re giving the reigns to their third string quarterback Mike White while Flacco serves as the backup.

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The whole thing stinks of poor decision making. No, not by Zach Wilson but by the New York Jets, their coach, and their front office. Either Zach Wilson is the guy going forward and needs to work through his struggles or he’s not and should be benched the remainer of the season. In either case, the coach is making the wrong decision with the “just needs a reset” comment. Did HC Robert Saleh work in IT before the NFL and think he’s just going to unplug him and plug him back in? The team grew frustrated after Wilson didn’t seem to hold himself accountable while the offense struggled. But isn’t that a coaches job? If the New York Jets really believe that he’s their guy and can take the field for them as a starter, then benching him isn’t the solution. As a coach, you have to be the guy to sit him down and have the business/adult conversation.

The Jets aren’t out of the playoffs right now. As it stands, the entire AFC East is in the hunt. They’re a game out of first place and if they think they’ll get better play out of their backup’s backup and still win football games, then Saleh isn’t making the right call getting him back into the starter role. If you’re saying all he needs to do is shift his focus to get back into the starter role, while potentially sacrificing your playoff chances at a point in the season where every loss counts, you’re not doing your job correct.

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No matter how true it is, you’re the guy who needs to shift his focus to keep you on the winning track. This isn’t the NBA where you bench a guy for 1 of 82 games for his conduct. In a 17 game season, in the hunt for the playoffs, you’re deciding to make a statement to your team. Let’s hope it works out because the New York Jets face the revived Justin Fields-led Bears, the 8-2 Vikings, and the division rival Buffalo Bills for their three game stretch.

If this move fails, it could be the turning point of the season. This move is meant to send a message to Wilson, the team, and the fans that the Jets want their best foot forward. It’s a gamble going into week 12 and it might not be the payout they’re looking for.