Robert Saleh says Zach Wilson ‘has to play better’

The Jets had been giving the impression that they are coddling quarterback Zach Wilson and still showing too much hope in him. On Wednesday, head coach Robert Saleh at least recognized the fact that Wilson has been struggling again this season and admitted that Wilson “needs to play better.”

“We all acknowledge he has to play better. We all acknowledge that,” Saleh said, via the New York Post. “He acknowledges it, teammates acknowledge it, he acknowledges it himself, but the key is to have confidence in yourself. You have to.”

This all comes after Saleh was right at tbe forefront of Wilson’s defense against a lot of criticism this week, particularly from the one and only Joe Namath, who called Wilson’s performance Sunday “disgusting”.

Saleh and the team now seem to at least be showing some understanding of the situation. The Jets also signed veteran quarterback Trevor Siemian to the practice squad this week, though even Siemian admitted Wednesday there is no guarantee or expectation that he will play.

The Jets are preparing for what will be a tough stretch score their bye week in Week 7. The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs (and their new friend Taylor Swift) will be at MetLife on Sunday night. The Jets then head out to Denver to face the Broncos before welcoming the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6.

Another struggle for Wilson should make the Jets think long and hard about their immediate and future plans at the quarterback position.