Category: robert saleh

Aaron Rodgers’ replacement as Jets captain after injury, revealed

September 29, 2023

After his season-ending (maybe?) injury in Week 1, Aaron Rodgers was replaced as New York Jets starting quarterback by Zach Wilson. Now, three weeks later he has been replaced as one of New York’s team captains.

But Wilson, a captain last season, didn’t get this call.

Instead, coach Robert Saleh announced Friday that All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams will join linebacker C.J. Mosley and special teams ace Justin Hardee as captain.

Saleh explained that Williams finished fourth in captain’s voting prior to the season opener and had a “significant” vote total. That was good enough for the coach to have him replace Rodgers, even though it means the Jets do not have a captain on offense.

“After just thinking about it, I was like, ‘Why not?’” Saleh said. “The guy’s such a vocal leader on this team. He says all the right things, he does all the right things. He stands for everything we believe in.”

Williams, a first-round pick by the Jets in 2019, had a breakout season in 2022. He had 12 sacks and was named First-Team All-Pro. The 25-year-old then landed a massive new contract this summer.

Though he doesn’t have a sack yet this season, Williams has 12 QB pressures and has been a force against the run and pass, often taking on double teams. Williams is extremely respected by his teammates on both sides of the ball.

The Jets do select a different player each week to be the fourth captain. Williams was the Week 1 selection, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Saleh chooses an offensive player regularly so that part of the team is represented each week. Young star Garrett Wilson would appear to be in line for that opportunity, as would veterans Tyler Conklin, Randall Cobb, Laken Tomlinson and Connor McGovern.

And if Wilson can straighten out his game, it would be a natural fit to have the QB be a captain, at least once.

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Trevor Siemian’s response to possibility of replacing Zach Wilson as Jets QB1

September 27, 2023

Trevor Siemian didn’t sign with the New York Jets because he saw an opportunity to replace Zach Wilson as the starting quarterback. Instead, he joined the Jets to help Wilson navigate a difficult situation trying to fill the shoes of Aaron Rodgers, who’s out after season-ending Achilles surgery.

“Whatever I can do to help him,” Siemian said Wednesday, one day after being signed to the Jets practice squad.

The 31-year-old said he had “good conversations” with the Jets and accepted the opportunity this week. The Jets have had two quarterbacks, Wilson and Tim Boyle, since Rodgers went down in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.

“I don’t have a lot of expectations,” Siemian said. “No promises were given or anything like that. These guys have two quarterbacks, they needed a third quarterback. … and here I am.”

Trevor Siemian has played for four NFL teams, including Jets in 2019

This is the veteran’s second go-round with the Jets. He started one game in 2019 against the New England Patriots and was knocked out with an injury in the first quarter.

“He’s got a lot of games under his belt,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said Wednesday. “He’s a quick learner, quick study from my understanding. Just getting him the ability to come out of the practice squad and help us out was the best decision for us.”

Siemian won a Super Bowl ring backing up Peyton Manning with the Denver Broncos in 2015. He was Denver’s quarterback the next two seasons and has also played for the New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears and Jets in six NFL seasons. He was cut by the Bears after training camp this season.

Wilson and the offense have struggled mightily since Rodgers was injured. The 24-year-old has come under fire for his poor play, notably being ripped by Jets icon Joe Namath. Saleh defended Wilson from Namath’s comments Wednesday.

The Jets (1-2) have lost two straight and host the Kansas City Chiefs (2-1) on Sunday night.

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Robert Saleh explains Jets’ Trevor Siemian signing amid calls for Zach Wilson benching

September 27, 2023

Signing veteran quarterback Trevor Siemian was “the best decision” for the New York Jets, according to coach Robert Saleh.

Siemian was signed to the Jets practice squad on Tuesday and practiced with the team on Wednesday. Zach Wilson remains the starting quarterback this week against the Kansas City Chiefs and Tim Boyle will be his backup.

“He’s got a lot of games under his belt,” Saleh said of Siemian. “He’s a quick learner, quick study from my understanding. Just getting him the ability to come out of the practice squad and help us out was the best decision for us.”

Robert Saleh, Jets chose Trevor Siemian over other notable NFL quarterbacks

Reportedly, the Jets rejected overtures from free agent quarterback Carson Wentz and current NFL analyst Matt Ryan, who played for the Indianapolis Colts last season and has not officially retired. Ryan said earlier this week he has no interest in joining the Jets.

Colin Kaepernick, who hasn’t played in the NFL since 2016, sent a letter to Jets general manager Joe Douglas on Tuesday expressing his interest in being signed to their practice squad.

Siemian was cut by the Chicago Bears after extensive playing time this preseason. The 31-year-old won a Super Bowl ring as a rookie backup with the Denver Broncos in 2015 and then was 13-11 as a starter the next two seasons with them. He started one game with the Jets in 2019 but was injured early in the game against the New England Patriots.

Last season he started one game for the Bears and lost at home to the Jets. He has not won a start since 2017. He’s thrown 42 touchdown passes in the NFL, been intercepted 28 times and completed 58.9 percent of his passes.

Saleh said Wednesday that Wilson “needs to play better” for the Jets, who’ve lost two straight amid dismal offensive performances. But the coach also supported Wilson following blistering criticism from Jets icon Joe Namath.

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Jets HC Robert Saleh responds to Joe Namath’s critical Zach Wilson comments

September 27, 2023

Robert Saleh handled the grenade tossed by New York Jets legend Joe Namath as delicately as possible Wednesday. But it’s just the latest obstacle for the coach when it comes to starting Zach Wilson at quarterback.

Asked for his opinion of Namath’s scathing review of Wilson earlier in the week, Saleh did his best to diffuse the situation.

“We’ll agree to disagree with his comments,” Saleh said. “But he is entitled to those comments.”

Broadway Joe was guns blazing during an ESPN New York radio interview Monday, saying, “I wouldn’t keep him. I’ve seen enough of Zach Wilson.”

The legendary former quarterback, who led the Jets to their only championship in Super Bowl III, took to social media to criticize Wilson and the coaching staff during an inept 15-10 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Then a day later he said, “I didn’t take anything positive out of (the game Sunday). It was awful.”

Namath was incensed with one play when Wilson fell to the ground seemingly without being touched, though under heavy Patriots pressure.

“You sit down? You sit down on a play? You go right down? What happened?” Namath asked. “I thought you’re trying to win and make plays. You quit on a play? What is going on? It’s disgusting.”

Saleh admitted Wednesday that “we all acknowledge that [Wilson] needs to play better.” Earlier in the week, the coach said Wilson “was not the reason we lost (Sunday)” and reiterated the 24-year-old is “getting better” after his first two disastrous seasons in the NFL.

The Jets signed veteran Trevor Siemian to the practice squad Tuesday, although Saleh said he will be inactive this week against the Kansas City Chiefs.

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Jets-Legende Namath schimpft: “Ich hab genug von Zach Wilson gesehen”

September 26, 2023

Die New York Jets sind mit großen Ambitionen in die neue Saison gestartet – und stehen nach dem jähen Verlust von Aaron Rodgers und der Rückkehr zu Zach Wilson mit 1:2 nicht gut da. Das sorgt für Unruhe im Umfeld, für große Wut bei Quarterback-Legende Joe Namath – und für gelassene Antworten vom Cheftrainer.

Ist der erfolgreichste Quarterback in der bisherigen Geschichte der New York Jets: Joe Namath.

Ist der erfolgreichste Quarterback in der bisherigen Geschichte der New York Jets: Joe Namath.

Getty Images

Es hätte ein früher Showdown in der neuen NFL-Saison werden sollen. Doch daraus wird nichts. Anstelle von Patrick Mahomes vs. Aaron Rodgers heißt es im kommenden Sunday Night Game zu Week 4, wenn die Kansas City Chiefs als amtierender Super-Bowl-Sieger auf die New York Jets treffen: Patrick Mahomes vs. Zach Wilson.

Und man muss kein Prophet sein, wenn man bei diesem Duell an einen (klaren) Sieg der Chiefs, die an diesem Sonntag mit einem 41:10 über die Chicago Bears hinweggefegt sind und ihre Bilanz auf 2:1-Siege verbessert haben, denkt.

Dafür ist in erster Linie die Offensive der Jets verantwortlich. Denn mit Zach Wilson, der nach dem Achillessehnenriss von Rodgers in Week 1 gegen die Buffalo Bills (Spiel noch 22:16 gewonnen) direkt wieder als Starting Quarterback in New York übernommen hatte, verlor seine jüngsten beiden Partien als Verantwortlicher in der Pocket – in Dallas und gegen die Patriots.

Namath in Richtung von Wilson: “Das ist abstoßend”

Dabei erntete der 24-jährige Second Overall Pick des NFL-Drafts 2021, der ohnehin seit Anbeginn seiner Zeit im “Big Apple” keinen guten Stand hat, lautstarke Pfiffe. Was bei vier Interceptions, nur zwei Touchdown-Pässen und mageren 467 Passing Yards in seinen drei Einsätzen 2023 durchaus nachvollziehbar ist. Beim Vergleich mit New England an diesem Sonntag führte Wilson seine auf dem Papier absolut fähige Offense nur zu drei Punkten und 61 Total Yards in den ersten neun (!) Drives. Am Ende des Tages brachte er nur 18 von 36 Zuspielen an den Mann – für schwache 157 Yards und keinen Score. Dazu passierte auch noch ein Safety. Das einzig Positive: kein Turnover.

In Joe Namath, der inzwischen 80-jährigen Quarterback-Legende der Jets, löste das Fassungslosigkeit und Wut aus.

Denn im Gespräch in der “Michael Kay Show” auf “ESPN New York Radio” sagte der Super-Bowl-Sieger von 1968/69 (der bislang einzige große Triumph der New Yorker) unter anderem: “Ich habe nichts Positives aus dem Spiel mitgenommen. Es war furchtbar.”

Regelrecht eingeschossen hatte sich Namath dabei auf Spielmacher Wilson, der für ihn schlicht nicht mehr tragbar ist: “Ich würde ihn nicht behalten. Ich habe genug gesehen von Zach Wilson.” Vor allem der erste von insgesamt drei kassierten Sacks, als der junge QB einfach ohne gegnerische Berührung zu Boden gesunken war, erzürnte den Hall of Famer mit dem Spitznamen “Broadway Joe”. Quasi direkt in Richtung Wilson formulierte er: “Du setzt dich einfach hin? Du setzt dich bei einem Play hin? Du gehst einfach so zu Boden? Was ist da passiert? Ich dachte, du versuchst zu gewinnen und Plays zu machen. Du gibst ein Play aber stattdessen einfach auf? Was ist da los? Das ist abstoßend.”

Saleh vertraut weiterhin auf Wilson

Zach Wilson (li.) und Robert Saleh

Zach Wilson darf sich für den Moment noch glücklich schätzen: Jets-Trainer Robert Saleh (re.) vertraut auf ihn.
IMAGO/USA TODAY Network

Während seiner Schimpftirade kam Namath aber nicht nur auf Wilson, der neben Tim Boyle (28) und dem nun verpflichteten Free Agent Trevor Siemian (31) der einzige QB aktuell im Kader ist, zu sprechen. Auch Head Coach Robert Saleh, der mit der Pleite gegen die Patriots in seinem dritten Jets-Jahr auf die Bilanz von 12:25 sank, bekam zusammen mit General Manager Joe Douglas sein Fett weg: “Diese Leute wählen nicht die richtigen Spieler aus. Sie machen keinen guten Job, was Coaching angeht. Das ist offensichtlich.” Daher sei es Zeit, “einige Leute loszuwerden und neue reinzuholen.” Es müsse für ihn alles auf den Kopf getreten werden – “von oben bis unten”.

Mit seiner Wutrede dürfte Namath vielen Anhängern der “Gang Green” aus dem Herzen gesprochen haben. Denn nach dem tragischen Verlust von Rodgers, der aufgrund einer speziellen OP-Variante im Optimalfall zu den Play-offs im Januar zurückkehren könnte (sollte die Endrunde von den seit 2010 auf die K.-o.-Runde wartenden Jets überhaupt erreichen werden), macht sich auch unter der Anhängerschaft immer mehr Frust breit. Durch viele Kommentare in sozialen Netzwerken und eben durch die Pfiffe im Stadion wird mehr und mehr klar, dass eine nicht kleine Masse Wilson nicht mehr als New Yorks Starting Quarterback sehen will.

Es ist noch eine lange Saison.

Aaron Rodgers

Doch für dem Moment scheint es eben noch weitergehen. Einerseits, weil es aktuell wohl keine große Lösung zu geben scheint – und andererseits, weil Wilson (noch) das Vertrauen genießt. Cheftrainer Saleh unterstrich erst am Montag zum wiederholten Male, dass der 24-jährige Spielmacher weiterhin auflaufen werde. Er nannte ihn einen “deutlich verbesserten” Spieler im Vergleich zur Vergangenheit (nur 15 Passing TDs und 18 Int. in seinen ersten beiden Jahren) und bezeichnete ihn als seinen “unbestrittenen Quarterback”.

Und der verletzte Rodgers sagte in der “Pat McAfee Show” auch noch etwas: Er wünsche sich, dass die gesamte Jets-Gemeinschaft zusammenhalte – speziell die Fans und ehemalige Spieler. Denn diese Form von Generalkritik helfe der aktuellen Situation nicht. So sei am Ende des Tages “viel zu viel Negativität aktuell angesagt und die Welt geht bereits unter nach drei Wochen. Es ist noch eine lange Saison.”

Jets’ Robert Saleh backs Zach Wilson after Week 3 loss amid ongoing QB rumors

September 25, 2023

The day after the New York Jets lost an ugly 15-10 game to the New England Patriots, coach Robert Saleh was bombarded with questions about Zach Wilson. But as he did immediately after the dispiriting defeat, Saleh threw his full support behind the embattled quarterback.

“He’s our unquestioned quarterback,” Saleh said Monday. “He’s not the reason we lost yesterday.”

It’s true that the Jets had a myriad of problems on the offensive side of the ball Sunday. But Wilson was smack in the middle of it all, when the Jets converted 2-of-14 third downs and had six three and outs. The 24-year-old was averaging under four yards per pass attempt through three quarters before finally getting the ball downfield in the fourth quarter, that featured an 87-yard touchdown drive.

“He had a turnover-free game yesterday,” Saleh said. “He had no turnover worthy throws.”

Saleh contended that Wilson is showing improvement from last season, when he was twice benched as the Jets starter, “but just not in the boxscore.” The coach added that Wilson is “much better” than last season.

“He’s improved. He’s getting better,” Saleh stated.

Saleh did leave the door open that the Jets could add a third quarterback. When asked if that was in the Jets plans, Saleh didn’t say no, instead answering, “that’s a Joe question,” referring to general manager Joe Douglas.

Earlier Matt Ryan told CBS that he didn’t have interest in joining the Jets despite his agent checking in with them after Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles injury. Reportedly, Carson Wentz also checked in with the Jets and was rebuffed.

Wilson will lead the Jets (1-2) into a difficult Week 4 matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs (2-1) on Sunday night.

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Jets’ Robert Saleh deflects blame from Zach Wilson after frustrating loss to Patriots

September 24, 2023

The New York Jets’ losing streak against the New England Patriots persisted until their NFL Week 3 battle this year. Fans were livid because of the Jets’ unimpressive display on the offensive side of the ball. A lot of the blame had to go to Zach Wilson who despite being the secondary quarterback behind an injured Aaron Rodgers, still has the trust of Coach Robert Saleh.

The Jets and Patriots matchup during NFL Week 3 may have looked close on the scoreboard but the game was lopsided on all ends. Fans blasted Zach Wilson on social media for the inefficient offense. Coach Robert Saleh outlined, without any hesitation, that he is sticking with his quarterback to the end. What is the new plan for them to thrive next week against Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs? The Jets coach revealed it, via Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic.

“It would help if we can help around him,” Saleh declared.

Wilson had 18 completions throughout the whole game. He also netted 157 total yards but, the unfortunate the cherry on top, he could not notch a single touchdown for his team. This had a huge disparity compared to the Patriots offense. The opponents had 201 passing yards and 5.2 yards per play. New York only had 2.8 yards on average which did not help in advancing the offense a lot.

Wilson is still young but his experience from the previous seasons is going to kick in at some point now. It will just be a matter of it will come early such that they could make a playoff push.

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Zach Wilson’s message to booing Jets fans after putrid showing vs. Patriots

September 24, 2023

The New York Jets lost again to the New England Patriots. And Zach Wilson was again booed after leading a mostly lifeless offensive attack.

But the quarterback had a positive message for Jets fans after the 15-10 Week 3 defeat at MetLife Stadium.

“Keep believing, man,” Wilson said postgame. “I truly believe we’ve got the guys and we’re going to do everything we can to get better. We understand the frustrations. … We’re gonna get better.”

Apparently, coach Robert Saleh agrees. After praising Wilson before the game, he said postgame that the 24-year-old will remain the starting quarterback. Saleh added that Wilson “gives us the best chance to win.”

Wilson was 18-of-36 for 157 yards and did not throw a touchdown nor interception Sunday. Six of New York’s possessions ended with a three and out sequence. And the Jets were 2-for-14 on third down conversions.

That’s two straight weeks the Jets offense has put up a lifeless performance. They were manhandled by the Dallas Cowboys in a 30-10 loss in Week 2.

“We’ve got to sustain drives, we’ve got to stay on the field, we’ve got to put together something,” Wilson explained.  “It’s a lot of frustration for everyone on offense.”

Wilson did lead an 87-yard TD drive in the fourth quarter, when he completed 7-of-10 passes and looked poised doing so. But it was a scattershot performance the rest of the rainy afternoon. New York failed to run the ball effectively, Wilson often looked indecisive in the passing game and a largely stout effort by its defense went for naught.

“It didn’t feel like anything was working,” Wilson said.

So, that’s 15 straight losses to the Patriots. And it won’t get any easier next week when the Jets (1-2) host the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

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Jets QB Zach Wilson’s starting status gets update after Week 3 dud vs. Patriots

September 24, 2023

After another terrible performance by the New York Jets’ offense in a 15-10 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 3, coach Robert Saleh confirmed that Zach Wilson will remain the starting quarterback.

“Right now, he’s who gives us the best chance to win,” Saleh explained postgame.

Wilson was 18-of-36 for 157 yards and did not throw a touchdown nor interception. Six of New York’s possessions ended with a three-and-out sequence.

Jets legend Joe Namath took to social media during the game to question Wilson and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Afterward, Saleh said, “it would help if we could help around him,” alluding to the Jets’ struggling offensive line and running game, it appeared. The Jets ran 22 times for 38 yards.

Saleh dismissed the possibility that backup Tim Boyle could get reps with the first team ahead of New York’s Week 4 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He also offered a “no comment” when asked if veteran QBs Matt Ryan or Carson Wentz are under consideration to be signed.

The coach added he didn’t believe sticking with Wilson will be a problem with his teammates.

“I’m not worried about the locker room,” Saleh said. “We’ve got a great locker room. We’ll be fine.”

Wilson did lead an 87-yard TD drive in the fourth quarter, when he completed 7-of-10 passes and looked poised doing so. But on their next drive, down three, Wilson inexcusably was sacked in the end zone for a safety by Matthew Judon.

The Jets’ offense has produced only three touchdowns and 36 points in the first three weeks of the season. Wilson replaced Aaron Rodgers four plays into the Week 1 win against the Buffalo Bills when Rodgers sustained a ruptured Achilles.

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Jets QB Zach Wilson’s starting status gets update after Week 3 dud vs. Patriots

September 24, 2023

After another terrible performance by the New York Jets’ offense in a 15-10 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 3, coach Robert Saleh confirmed that Zach Wilson will remain the starting quarterback.

“Right now, he’s who gives us the best chance to win,” Saleh explained postgame.

Wilson was 18-of-36 for 157 yards and did not throw a touchdown nor interception. Six of New York’s possessions ended with a three-and-out sequence.

Jets legend Joe Namath took to social media during the game to question Wilson and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Afterward, Saleh said, “it would help if we could help around him,” alluding to the Jets’ struggling offensive line and running game, it appeared. The Jets ran 22 times for 38 yards.

Saleh dismissed the possibility that backup Tim Boyle could get reps with the first team ahead of New York’s Week 4 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He also offered a “no comment” when asked if veteran QBs Matt Ryan or Carson Wentz are under consideration to be signed.

The coach added he didn’t believe sticking with Wilson will be a problem with his teammates.

“I’m not worried about the locker room,” Saleh said. “We’ve got a great locker room. We’ll be fine.”

Wilson did lead an 87-yard TD drive in the fourth quarter, when he completed 7-of-10 passes and looked poised doing so. But on their next drive, down three, Wilson inexcusably was sacked in the end zone for a safety by Matthew Judon.

The Jets’ offense has produced only three touchdowns and 36 points in the first three weeks of the season. Wilson replaced Aaron Rodgers four plays into the Week 1 win against the Buffalo Bills when Rodgers sustained a ruptured Achilles.

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