Jets’ Zach Wilson understands fan boos after being benched again: ‘You don’t blame them’

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When New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson threw a ball down the field late in the first half and saw it intercepted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, MetLife Stadium erupted in turmoil. most deafening display of boos on Thursday night.

It was the culmination of what Wilson put together in a must-win game for New York that ended in a 19-3 loss and Wilson was benched early in the second half for the quarter- back Chris Streveler.

“You don’t blame them,” Wilson told reporters after the game when asked about the fan’s boos after throwing for 92 yards on 9 of 18 passes.

“We have a passionate fan base, and they’re there to watch us score touchdowns, and we don’t score touchdowns. We weren’t getting first downs, we weren’t moving the ball. Obviously they can’t throw the ball. So, of course, they’re going to be frustrated.”

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Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets heads for the sideline against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Neil Cooper/Getty Images)

Wilson didn’t have a practice that lasted more than six games all night, and the three first-half points for the Jets were only put up by the defense getting a backpack on the Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence to give the ball to New York. the 16-yard line for their opening practice.

The Jets came into play Thursday night as an AFC bubble team looking for a playoff spot. With only three games left, a win was needed.

Still, with those stakes in mind and Wilson’s No. 2 Jets pick a season ago (behind Lawrence), he couldn’t deliver.

JETS BENCH ZACH WILSON DURING THIRD QUARTER AGAINST JAGUARS AFTER ANOTHER POOR PERFORMANCE

“I just felt like I had no rhythm there,” he explained. “I’m just trying to find some confidence on the pitch and find something to take us forward, a little spark, but I couldn’t get anything there man. I had opportunities and I must be able to connect to these.”

“The feeling is I just have to put my head down and try to get better for these guys. That’s kind of the message to them there, try to give them everything I’ve got. J trying to expose it for you guys, and it’s not good enough. I have to put them in a better position.

Fans cheered when Streveler was able to get the Jets forward, even though it never resulted in any points. Still, he was more productive than Wilson, throwing for 90 yards on 10 of 15 passes and rushing for 54 yards to lead the ground team in loss.

“Yeah, that’s it [tough]and that’s why I have to look in the mirror,” Wilson said when asked to watch Streveler from the sidelines. “I have to go back, I have to watch that tape, and you have to be tough. “

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) delivers the ball to New York Jets running back Michael Carter (32) during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars , Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Head coach Robert Saleh defended his quarterback despite the struggles, saying “we haven’t seen him last” and noting Wilson technically isn’t on the bench in his eyes. The Jets were looking for a change of pace with Streveler’s running ability, and they stuck to it when offensive success finally arrived.

Either way, Saleh’s comments would indicate the Jets are confident Wilson can maintain his pace.

But it may be too late for New York, which likely needs to win and see other teams lose if they want to break this playoff drought that New York hasn’t since 2010.

However, Saleh said he’s not really focused on the playoffs right now because the Jets have lost four straight. He just wants to right the ship.

“It’s not about the playoffs right now, it’s not. We’ve played four straight teams that are looking for the playoffs, and we’ve fought, we’ve fought three. I I’m just really disappointed with this performance today.”

JETS ZACH WILSON TO START VS. JAGUARS WITH MIKE WHITE STILL NOT CLEARED FOR CONTACT

The Jets’ final two games also come against teams battling for the playoffs: the Seattle Seahawks next week, followed by the Miami Dolphins in Week 18.

Mike White, who started the offense in his three starts this season, although it went only 1-2, is still struggling with a rib injury.

So, as Saleh said, we may not have seen the last of Wilson despite the poor showing in one of the biggest games of his career to date.

Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets looks down the sideline against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2022, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Neil Cooper/Getty Images)

“I’m working my way out, but I have to be optimistic here. I believe in myself regardless of what everyone else is doing, and I’m just going to go to work and show these guys how much I care about them on this team. This season not for us, I’m just going to do everything I can and control what I can.

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Wilson hasn’t won a game as a starter this season since Week 9 against the Buffalo Bills, a 20-17 home win.

Scott Thompson is a sportswriter for Fox News Digital.

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