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Jets' Saleh Not Subscribing to Zach Wilson Conspiracy Theories

Starting quarterback decision not being influenced from above

There have been no marching orders handed down to Robert Saleh when it comes to selecting the New York Jets' starting quarterback.

There have been multiple quarterback-related conspiracy theories swirling around the Jets in recent days with one being the idea that Saleh is being forced to play Zach Wilson. In the rumored scenario, the head coach prefers to bench Wilson in favor of Trevor Siemian while ownership insists that the former No. 2 overall draft pick must start.

"No, we’re on the same page with that," said Saleh on Wednesday in Florham Park. "So, any conspiracy theory that might be out there, we’re on the same page."

The skeptics point to the 24-year-old Wilson's family connection to Jets' owner Woody Johnson. David Neeleman, Wilson's uncle, is a friend of Johnson and also founded JetBlue airlines, one of the team's prominent corporate partners. 

According to Saleh, neither Johnson nor Neeleman is influencing the decision to stick with Wilson as the starting quarterback for the next nine weeks.

With Aaron Rodgers rupturing his Achilles four offensive snaps into the season, Wilson reclaimed the QB1 status that he lost last season. The Jets added former Denver starter Trevor Siemian to their Practice Squad in late September, but never indicated a plan for him to eventually supplant Wilson.

With Wilson at the controls, the Jets find themselves at 4-4 through eight games, but the offensive production has been lacking to say the least. The Jets' offense has scored only eight touchdowns all season. Wilson has one touchdown pass in the last four games. 

"Obviously, it’s not the greatest show on turf," said Saleh. "He knows that there’s a lot of things he can do better, there’s a lot of things we can do better."

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