Robert Saleh Defends QB Zach Wilson As He Slams Dan Orlovsky
The New York Jets’ head coach, Robert Saleh, believes Zach Wilson will be the team’s starting quarterback against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4.
Robert Saleh Defends QB Zach Wilson As He Slams Dan Orlovsky
Wilson struggled in New York’s 15-10 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday, going 18-for-36 for 157 yards. Despite this, Saleh praised the 24-year-old’s growth after the game, noting that there is still a lot more football to be played this season.
Despite being 0-2 in starts this season and his presence and subsequent play in the starting lineup causing what appears to be another schism in the team, Saleh reiterated this week that Wilson would be the starter at home against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.
Is Robert Saleh or Zach Wilson the main problem? @BrandonTierney and @sal_licata disagree: pic.twitter.com/JVqXKMwdxV
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) September 25, 2023
However, the Jets are currently 1-2 and face long odds when they meet the reigning Super Bowl winners at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Fans may be asking whether the team intends to bring in a successor after Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1 dashed their hopes for the season.
The head coach reiterated his support for Wilson on Monday.
Robert Saleh was just asked if Zach Wilson will be the unquestioned starting quarterback for the rest of the year
He said yes, & that Zach isn't the reason the #Jets lost yesterday
Oh. My. Lord.
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) September 25, 2023
“He’s our unquestioned quarterback,” he said. “As long as he continues to show his preparation, the way he’s been practising, and even in these games, he’s not the reason why we lost [Sunday]. It’s always a team effort. As long as he continues to show improvement, I know from a box score standpoint, it’s not showing, he’s going to be our quarterback.”
That wasn’t Saleh’s only eye-opening remark; he also appeared to criticize ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky, who uploaded a video earlier in the day deconstructing Wilson’s absolute lack of confidence and how it’s killing the offence.
"You’re the nicest guy in the world, but you’re 12 and freaking 25…You’re gonna go down with this quarterback"
Joe B texted with Robert Saleh for an hour on Sunday, and told him he won't get his "Aaron Rodgers year" if he sticks with Zach Wilson:https://t.co/YveECmOYuV
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) September 25, 2023
“Want to see what it looks like when a quarterback has just zero confidence?” Orlovsky said while analysing all-22 footage from the Jets vs. Patriots game on Sunday.
According to SNY reporter Connor Hughes, Saleh stated that “‘everyone is going to have an opinion on the all-22, but many of those opinions are misguided.'”
Video of Joe Namath ripping Zach Wilson and the #Jets organization.
Namath said his play was 'Disgusting' and suggested coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas should be replaced.
'Aren't picking the right players, aren't doing a good job of coaching'pic.twitter.com/BApoN4PlT7 https://t.co/n5BJxUGBpy
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 26, 2023
“Saleh said Wilson is not missing the players because of confidence. ‘There’s a balance there that he’s still working to figure out,’” Hughes reported.
Saleh is playing a hazardous game by defending Wilson, who has shown no evidence of being a franchise quarterback in his two seasons in the NFL.
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