No Need for Another Jets' Quarterback Announcement After 'Awesome' Effort

Bouncing back from benching, Zach Wilson earns another start with 300-yard performance

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Publish date:
Dec 11, 2023 8:40 PM EST

In this story:

Zach Wilson answered any questions as to which quarterback gives the New York Jets the best chance to win at this point in the 2023 season.

Reinstated as the starter after a two-game benching, Wilson produced his most-impressive passing performance of the season in Week 14. Orchestrating three second-half touchdown drives, the former No. 2 overall draft pick threw for 301 yards and two scores in a 30-6 home win over the Houston Texans on December 10. He accounted for a 117.9 quarterback rating.

"He was awesome. I felt like he was extremely decisive. He played fast," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh on Monday afternoon. "I said it after the game and just after watching the tape and looking at it in more detail, it was the best game that he’s played, in my opinion."

Wilson completed 75.0 percent of his passes and 15 of his completions went for first downs. He threw touchdown passes to Randall Cobb and Breece Hall.

Prior to the two TD performance against Houston, Wilson totaled only two touchdown passes over a six-game stretch that led to the benching.

His effective bounce-back effort likely eliminates the idea of potentially giving Trevor Siemian or Brett Rypien a start moving forward. Saleh has made quarterback announcements each of the past three weeks. First, it was the decision to go with Tim Boyle followed by the choice to stick with Boyle for a second start before eventually going back to Wilson.

The 24-year-old Wilson will get his first shot at the Miami Dolphins this season on Sunday, December 17. He was benched prior to the Black Friday home game against the Fins.

"Whatever he ate Saturday night, just go do it again. He’s been working, he’s been getting better," said Saleh. "He played free on Sunday."