Zach Wilson makes New York Jets promise after locker room talks
Zach Wilson has denied that he was 'reluctant' to reassume his role as the New York Jets' starting quarterback after he was benched following a mixed spell deputising for Aaron Rodgers.
The former No. 2 draft pick was installed as the replacement for the crocked Rodgers, who sustained a ruptured Achilles just four snaps into his debut in Week 1. For the next nine weeks, his understudy struggled to successfully fill into the void, completing just 59.2 percent of his passes for 1,944 yards, while contributing six touchdowns and seven picks.
The under-fire Wilson was eventually demoted for the Jets' clash with the Miami Dolphins, with back-up Tim Boyle given the nod to start in his place. However, his performance did not impress head coach Robert Saleh, who then experimented with Trevor Siemian at QB from the start versus the Atlanta Falcons.
Amid a five-game losing streak, Saleh has now resolved to put his faith back in Wilson, with the latter having admitted he is 'excited' to return to the fray. A previous report in the Athletic had suggested that the 24-year-old has reservations about stepping back into his role as starting QB.
READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds superimposes Travis Kelce and himself on Blake Lively and Taylor Swift photo
Joe Burrow backs Patrick Mahomes after Kansas City Chiefs reach Super Bowl
READ MORE: Green Bay Packers ready for Taylor Swift effect as head coach prepares for pop superstar arrival
However, he has moved to dash those claims, by vowing to enjoy the next run of games after coach Saleh revealed his plans to start him against the Houston Texans. With a spring in his step, he acknowledged: "I'm going to have more fun than I've ever had, in a professional way."
The current state of play is that Wilson - 'God willing' in the words of Saleh - should be restored as the Jets' starting quarterback for the remainder of the regular season. After deciding to back the 24-year-old moving forward, the Jets head coach added: "Zach gives us the best chance to win."
Speaking to SNY about the claims that hat he was reluctant to return, Wilson issued a firm denial, while reaffirming his commitment to the Jets cause by saying: "Absolutely not. I love the guys in this locker room and I would do anything. I think any time you have an opportunity to step on this field, you need to take advantage of it."
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has seemingly changed his stance on quarterback Zach Wilson (Elsa/Getty Images)"I’ve had backing since day one and that’s why I love this team so much," he continued as he thanked his teammates for their support, adding: "They understand the struggles we’ve been going through, and I think there’s going to be a lot of respect shown to just keep fighting from everybody, and we’re all going through the same thing."
It appears that Wilson has the unwavering support of his Jets colleagues as well, with the mood within the locker room seemingly positive towards him. Tight end Tyler Conklin told ESPN: "He talked to us about it. He made it very clear that, 'Hey, I want to be out there battling with you guys.'"
Adding to Conklin's assertion, coach Saleh also explained that previous reports have not affected morale within the Jets camp, saying: "I'm not concerned one bit about that report within the locker room. I have my reasons, but Zach is in a great place, the locker room is in a great place, and he will be ready to play ball."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
