Jets Finally Bench Zach Wilson, Demote Him to Third String Quarterback

 The Zach Wilson era (or error depending on your perspective) is over. 

The Jets finally benched quarterback Zach Wilson after another lackluster effort on Sunday that saw the offense go 0-for-11 on third down, and Wilson throw for only 81 yards as he once again struggled to move the offense. 

The Jets not only benched Wilson in Sunday's loss to Buffalo, they named Tim Boyle the starter for Friday night's game against the Miami Dolphins. 

On top of that, they demoted Wilson to third string, activating Trevor Siemien for the first time this season to back-up quarterback. 

After the second three game losing streak of the season, and after watching in horror as Aaron Rodgers went down with a torn Achillies Tendon in Week 1, one has to wonder why this took so long? 

Sure, the Jets were finding ways to win games with smoke and mirrors, but it was just that: smoke and mirrors. The Jets never properly addressed the quarterback position and that falls on GM Joe Douglas, head coach Robert Saleh, OC Nathainel Hacket, and of course, owner Woody Johnson. 

 

Why were the Jets so reluctant this year to bench Wilson, whereas last season they couldn't wait to bench him in favor of Mike White. Heck, even Wilson's own teammates last year couldn't wait to see Mike White that they were running around with Mike White t-shirts. 

Now at 4-6 the season is turly lost. Despite reports that Aaron Rodgers might come back to play this season in Week 16, what is the point? The Jets are out of it. Their playoff hopes are dashed. 

 

Only playing Rodgers now would risk even further injury, thus muddying the waters for an already muddy outlook for 2024. 

The bottom line is this: the Zach Wilson era was a failure. He was a bust as the number 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Jets made a huge mistake taking him, and he has become this era's Jamarcus Russell. Just look at the numbers!

It's a sad day for Wilson who many thought would hold great promise. Instead the best thing for him and for the Jets is if both sides move on.