Saleh Still Undecided on Jets' Week 14 Starting QB, Wilson 'Wants the Ball'
Robert Saleh was "not there yet" yesterday, and apparently, the New York Jets' head coach needed more than one night's sleep to reach a decision on who will be the starting quarterback next time out.
"No, I'm still not there yet," said Saleh on Monday afternoon when asked to name the Week 14 starter.
The Jets' third-year head coach admitted to being lobbied by the benched Zach Wilson while refuting reported rumors that the former No. 2 overall draft pick is "reluctant" to reclaim the starting job.
"If he was reluctant to play, he wouldn't be here," said Saleh. "The young man wants the ball. He wants to start. He believes he's the best quarterback in the room. I appreciate it. I appreciate the fact that he wants to play, I'm just not there yet."
The Jets managed only one offensive touchdown over the course of Tim Boyle's two straight starts, losing to Miami and Atlanta. Including his fourth-quarter relief appearance against Buffalo in Week 10, Boyle is 48-of-77 passing for 360 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions. He averages a puny 4.7 yards per pass to go with a 56.2 quarterback rating.
"Timmy, he did some good things [yesterday]," said Saleh. "There are definitely some big-time plays that, I think, we left out there. At the end of the day, we gotta score points."
Saleh has been forced to choose between Boyle, Wilson and 31-year-old veteran Trevor Siemian, who came on for the fourth quarter of the Week 13 loss to the Falcons to no avail.
"I want to make sure no one is acting emotionally. I want to make sure we're making the right decision for this organization and team moving forward," said Saleh. "It's who gives us the best chance to win. It's that simple."
Although his 21-day practice window has been opened, Aaron Rodgers won't be ready to take the field on December 10.
"Anything's possible, but don't hold your breath," said Saleh to the question of the 40-year-old quarterback returning to game action this week.
Prior to being benched for the second straight season, Wilson had completed 59.2 percent of passes for 1,944 yards, six touchdowns and seven interceptions. He threw only two total touchdown passes, both coming on screen plays to Breece Hall, in his last six games. Wilson owns a 73.8 quarterback rating through 10 games.
READ MORE:
Both Offenses No-Show in Jets' Ugly Loss to Falcons
Boyle No Better Than Wilson as Jets' Offense Shows More of the Same
Defensive Tackle's Jets Debut Spoiled by Injury
Jets' Veteran TE Injured Early vs. Falcons, Carted to Locker-room
