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New York Jets QB Zach Wilson takes a sack against the New England Patriots Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Jets still sticking with Zach Wilson despite another frustrating performance

By Colum Dell | Last updated 9/24/23

The New England Patriots continued their stranglehold over the New York Jets with Sunday's 15-10 win, their 15th straight head-to-head victory in the AFC East rivalry.

Despite the opportunity to pull off a miraculous comeback, the Jets offense struggled mightily and quarterback Zach Wilson was once again subject to scrutiny, including criticism from Hall of Famer Joe Namath. Wilson completed 18-of-36 passes for 157 yards and took a safety with under three minutes remaining in the game, but his latest poor performance still isn't enough for the Jets to consider benching him.

Speaking to reporters during his postgame news conference, Jets HC Robert Saleh reiterated his support for Wilson, stating that the third-year quarterback would remain the starter.

“Right now, [Wilson is] who gives us the best chance to win,” Saleh said, adding, "It would help if we could help around him, in terms of the way we play."

"It would help if we could help around him, in terms of the way we play. It just wasn't good enough, from coaching to players to all of it."

Robert Saleh talks about Zach Wilson's play and how the Jets can help him out: pic.twitter.com/5qFoRJ7lo1
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) September 24, 2023

Although New York's Super Bowl aspirations seemingly ended when Aaron Rodgers suffered his Achilles injury in Week 1, the roster is simply too talented to punt on the season without trying to upgrade the quarterback position.

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported before Sunday's game that free agents Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan reached out to the Jets about potentially joining the organization. The Jets declined their offers. Given how poorly both performed last season, it's unsurprising that New York didn't go in that direction.

While it's a long shot, Minnesota's Kirk Cousins is a name that has been a popular suggestion as a Wilson replacement in the media. Considering Minnesota's disastrous 0-3 start, the move makes more sense now than ever before. As NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano points out, only four teams since 1990 have made the playoffs after starting 0-3.

The 35-year-old Cousins is an impending free agent and now that the Jets will retain their upcoming first-round pick – because Rodgers didn’t play enough snaps for it to convey – a deal could help Minnesota reset and prepare for a quarterback-heavy 2024 NFL Draft.

The road ahead won't get any easier for the Jets if they don't make a change at quarterback. Then again, even that may not be enough, as New York hosts the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4 and the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6.

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