Why was Zach Wilson benched? Zach Wilson continued to show struggles in consistency for yet another game week. The New York Jets head coach, Robert Saleh, replaced Wilson with Tim Boyle.
Saleh substituted Wilson off the field during the Jets’ 32-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter. Wilson performed poorly with seven passes out of fifteen attempts for 81 yards. He also had one touchdown and interception, making up his passing rating of 57.9.
The Jets had the third-worst score offense in the NFL and the worst passing offense in the AFC before that match.
The Jets had yet to register an offensive goal since October 29. Let’s learn more about the game and Zach Wilson’s benching.
Why Was Zach Wilson Benched?
Jets head coach Robert Saleh stated that he benched Wilson to see if the team would gain offense momentum following their 32–6 loss.
“At 29–6, I said from the sidelines that it wasn’t just Zach. It is simple to blame the quarterback, but it is abundantly evident that you have blown plays, dropped balls, and missed passes. He needs improvement.”
What Happened During That Game?
Although the Bills took the lead in the second half, the Jets appeared to be in control for most of the first.
Buffalo unsuccessfully attempted to score a field goal after causing New York to lose the ball on the initial kickoff.
An additional three-and-out forced the Bills to settle for a field goal. This allowed the Jets to maintain their lead in the game.
New York got its first first-down on its third carry of the game, but that was all. Early in the contest, the defense once more thwarted Buffalo, limiting them to a third field goal.
In contrast, the offense struggled, going three-and-out and tossing an interception in two plays during the following two drives. The interception facilitated Buffalo’s touchdown drive, which increased the deficit to 16 points.
Thomas Morestead, the Jets’ punter, completed the day’s most crucial pass: an 18-yard completion to Brandin Echols.
It would have been a three-and-out and extended the drive. Wilson then converted another fourth down following three plays then later a touchdown to Breece Hall nine yards out.
However, nothing was working for the Jets. The Bills lost the ball on their following two drives and led 22–6 at that time.
Boyle replaced Wilson following the Jets’ second drive of the second half. Wilson completed seven of fifteen passes for 81 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He failed to pass to a wide receiver.
Boyle finished the contest with a 7-14 record, 33 yards of yardage, no touchdowns, and an interception on the final play.
Wilson’s numbers did little to no change for the scores. Before this contest, his pass completion percentage was 59.8 percent, with 1,863 yards thrown, five touchdowns scored, and six interceptions thrown. He also gained 184 yards on 29 carries.
Aaron Rodgers’ claimed on “The Pat McAfee Show” that Benching Wilson was using him as a scapegoat. Wilson’s substitution on the Jets’ sideline does not resolve all of their offensive issues.
“In my opinion, I was not utilized as a scapegoat.” Wilson stated to ESPN, “Absolutely not. You should investigate the situation. We have nothing to gain by making arguments.
Regardless of my actions, it is my responsibility to help us score points as a quarterback. It is inconsequential to gush about how far you’ve come this season; your failure to score touchdowns put that into perspective. It does not. I understand it as well.”
“I don’t think I was scapegoated. No,” Wilson said, via ESPN. “You’ve got to look at the situation. We’re not scoring touchdowns.
Despite what I’m doing, my job as a quarterback is to help us score points. I can say I’ve had a lot of growth and tremendous whatever this year, but it doesn’t matter if you’re not scoring touchdowns; it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t. And I get that.”
The Jets Lack An Offensive Line
The Jets (4-6) suffered from a torn hamstring to a fractured offense in less than two months. Saleh stated that he substituted Wilson for Boyle on the field due to the high score, believing that Boyle would provide the team with an extra boost. However, Wilson did not have an outstanding outing.
Although he intercepted one pass, he completed seven out of fifteen passes for 81 yards and a touchdown. Since replacing Rodgers in the season’s inaugural game, the former No. 2 overall selection has not performed well.
“I told Zach on the sidelines that it wasn’t just him,” Saleh stated. “While assigning responsibility to the quarterback may be convenient, the error is also evident.
You have committed errors in judgment by failing to make saves, losing balls, and missing passes. He requires improvement. Everything is his responsibility, but he certainly could have performed better.”
Wilson responded to his Sunday benching: “I’m furious, but I understand. You must score to play. We made progress with the ball last week but failed to score.
Everything hinges on one factor: you must score. When things aren’t going as planned, change has to be made and I get that”
Wilson stated that he was unaware of his role. This was after a game last season when he attempted to evade criticism at a news conference, which resulted in his benching. This season, he accepted responsibility.
The inability of the offensive line to maintain cohesion has been a significant issue. The Jets have utilized the most starting combinations and eleven starters in the league.
They had Carter Warren and Chris Glaser, both rookies in the NFL, make their NFL debuts against the Bills.
Wilson, fell to No. 3 on the depth chart, behind Trevor Siemian and Boyle, who were not even on the 53-man roster at the start of the season.
Boyle was a practice squad member. The team then re-signed Siemian from the practice squad in late September.
Wilson stated regarding the fall in-depth chart that he doesn’t take it personally, and it wasn’t aimed at him.
Saleh’s decision in no way surprised Wilson. Zach is under contract through 2024 and stated that he has not thought much about the future. With a cap penalty of $11.2 million in 2024, it is improbable that the former BYU star will return.
Wilson, who has a 10-21 record as a starter, stated, “I want us to win regardless of my performance.”
Per Saleh, Boyle would provide them much-needed vigor against the formidable Dolphins. Boyle has a career passing total of 120 passes and is 0–3 as a starter (2021, all with the Detroit Lions).
Having played in this system previously, he even played with the offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
Boyle stated, “What transpired will not shell-shock me. You must feel like you’re dangerous out there.”
Boyle was not selected in the 2019 NFL draft despite having previously appeared for UConn and Eastern Kentucky.
His season career concluded with more interceptions than touchdowns having completed a single entire season as the starting quarterback,
“As a quarterback, accountability is of the utmost importance. Despite performing poorly in college, I am in my sixth season in the NFL,” he explained.
“I believe I possess quite a bit. I can have the throws precisely. I am determined to be a successful quarterback for this team because I can see into the pocket.”
Zach Wilson Getting Used to Warming The Bench
A year ago, quarterback Zach Wilson of the New York Jets was initially substituted from the game. He, however, says this time it’s different.
Wilson abstained from opposing his re-demotion despite his conviction that he is a more proficient player. He feels he has been mistreated despite scoring nine touchdowns in ten games.
Wilson, draft No. 2 in 2021 was replaced by veteran Tim Boyle. Boyle made his MetLife Stadium debut against the Miami Dolphins. Boyle will serve as the team’s third starter.
Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon after only four plays, prompting Wilson to start in what coach Robert Saleh called a “redshirt year.”
Mike White unsuccessfully challenged Wilson for his starting position on November 22. A poor performance against the New England Patriots and a subsequent press conference during which he attempted to evade responsibility contributed to that decision.
Mike White successfully challenged Wilson for his starting position on November 22. A poor performance against the New England Patriots and a subsequent press conference during which he attempted to evade responsibility contributed to that decision.
Wilson remarked, “The two circumstances are pretty dissimilar. Last year, it was apparent that I was not performing well. It was deservedly so. Within the locker room, I found everything to be equitable.
However, our offense is currently experiencing difficulties. It is difficult to assign responsibility to any individual. It would be my pleasure to assist in improving the situation, and I am prepared to agree.
I wish for this team to succeed in all circumstances. That is not the case. It is not a secret that I am a different player. I am aware of how far I have come. I am now more knowledgeable about the game, and playing it makes me feel better about myself.”
Conclusion
Why was Zach Wilson benched? The New York Jets benched quarterback Zach Wilson in their 32–6 loss to the Buffalo Bills, a move they had done before twice. Tim Boyle took over late in the third-quarter.
After the game, head coach Robert Saleh informed reporters that he is uncertain who will start in their following game against the Miami Dolphins.
At the time of Wilson’s benching, he had completed only seven of his fifteen throws for 81 yards. However, in the first half, he had a complete touchdown pass to running back Breece Hall. The touchdown marked the first of three for New York reaching the end zone.
