Jets Finally Bench Zach Wilson, Will Start Tim Boyle on Friday
The New York Jets have finally seen enough of Zach Wilson.
According to numerous reports Monday afternoon, the Jets will bench Wilson on Friday night when they play host to the Miami Dolphins. Tim Boyle will get the start in his stead.
Boyle, a fifth year back-up quarterback has only started three games in his career, and was Aaron Rodgers back-up in Green Bay during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
The Jets made the move away from Wilson, after the former first round draft pick floundered once again on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Wilson completed only seven of 15 passes for 81 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Wilson has been unable to move the offense much at all most of the year since taking over for Rodgers four snaps into the opening game of the season.
In fact the Jets touchdown against Buffalo on Sunday snapped a streak of 12 straight quarters without a touchdown. New York is also on a historic pace for the worst third down percentage in NFL history at around 22.9 percent. They were 0-for-11 on third down, Sunday.
Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas have defended Wilson all season from criticism, despite the fact they benched the BYU product twice last season for similarly poor play. Wilson’s poor management of the offense was the impetus for the Jets to pursue Aaron Rodgers last off-season.
The Jets (4-6) are likely out of the playoff picture, barring a miraculous turnaround down the stretch. It is not known if Wilson will play for the Jets again.
It is also unknown whether Rodgers will indeed be healthy enough to return for the last few weeks of the season in late December.
