Not Enough is Too Much

A new week in East Rutherford, NJ brings more questions than answers for a Jets fanbase whose apathy has been growing to a deafening roar of anger and disbelief every day. Stoked by remarks from head coach Robert Saleh regarding both Zach Wilson’s performance in a 15-10 loss to the New England Patriots over the weekend and the role on the roster for the third year quarterback who has been named the starter for the week 4 matchup against reigning Superbowl champions, Kansas City Chiefs.

The sight has been too familiar for Jets fans: a thousand yard stare from Saleh on the sidelines followed by a good guy presser. After the season ending injury to Aaron Rodgers and Wilson’s Jamarcus Russell-esque performances, however, fans don’t want a good guy. They want results. That hasn’t stopped Saleh from doubling and even tripling down on Zach Wilson being the starter.

Wilson’s stats from Sunday’s loss were 18 completions on 36 attempts for 157 yards with no interceptions being sacked 3 times one of which was simply giving up on the play and another was a safety for Matthew Judon. This in a game where New York’s offensive line performed its best of the year. Robert Saleh saying, “It’s not [Zach Wilson’s] fault we lost” was mind boggling for many fans.

“I’ve seen enough of Zach Wilson” – Joe Namath

via ESPN New York with Michael Kay

Perhaps the most surprising critic of Zach Wilson and the Jets staff was Hall of Famer Joe Namath who, in an interview with Michael Kay on ESPN New York said the performance was “disgusting” specifically criticizing the sit-down sack “I thought you’re trying to win and make plays.” The Superbowl III champion didn’t stop there adding, “I would trade Zach Wilson” and that they “need to make changes from top to bottom” regarding the staff.

A head coach and general manager must be questioning their future with an organization. Especially when their starting quarterback went down in week 1 for the season and they only now, in week 4, added to the position aside from Wilson and Tim Boyle. With options such as Carson Wentz in free agency and possible trade candidates all over the league, GM Joe Douglas decided former 7th round pick and 6-snap Jet in 2019 Trevor Siemien was the guy for the job. The response has been pure apathy proving not enough is too much for fans and players alike.

The Team

The biggest risk facing Robert Saleh over his unwavering support of the third year quarterback is losing the locker room. The League and fans got to see this Sunday with an example such as running back Michael Carter (1 reception, no carries) was seen having a verbal spat with running backs coach Taylor Embree presumably over his lack of usage despite the abysmal play from recent free agent addition Dalvin Cook (25 carries for 58 yards on the season).

Of course the drama doesn’t always appear negative even though it may show cracks forming. This can be seen with second year wideout and previous offensive rookie of the year Garrett Wilson pleading to fans on Wednesday to “please stick with us” and that he wants the offense to make Joe Namath “eat his words” on ESPN New York’s Bart & Hahn show.

This after Aaron Rodgers made his now weekly appearance on ESPN’s Pat McAfee show to tell the offense to “grow up and become better competitors” and others to “stop pointing fingers.” None of which bodes well for these rumors to stay rumors under the Saleh-Douglas regime.

The Future

Of course this begs the question, “what now?” from fans, the media, and the organization itself. Perhaps a trade for Ryan Tannehill or Kirk Cousins will present itself. Or perhaps what we’ve seen is all that happen is all and the question becomes “who gets fired for what?” As it stands, the Jets offense ranks 32nd total (32nd pass 22nd rush) going into a home matchup against the reigning Superbowl champions Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football. Hopefully views don’t drop at halftime.

Let us know what your thoughts are at @WeLikeSportzPC.

— by Chris Reynolds

Photo credits: 1. Bleacher Report 2. Yardbarker