The Two-Minute Drill: The Jets need to make a call
(Photo Courtesy of Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
By Brendan Nordstrom
When I was growing up, there was a deal with Subway locations in Metro Detroit. If the Lions got 20 first downs, you would receive a buy-one-get-one six-inch sub.
It’s not the easiest task but it’s far from the most difficult task. Some days the Lions would move the chains and reward me with a meatball sub for dinner. Other days, they would just miss out, and I would go a week without my Italian B.M.T.
The number of first downs is an inconsequential metric. It doesn’t necessarily measure how efficient or effective a team is. But it does put things in perspective.
Three weeks into the 2023 NFL season and Zach Wilson has failed to pass for 20 first downs total. Total.
Three weeks ago, it wasn’t crazy to say the New York Jets could go to the Super Bowl.
On April 26, life found its way into the lungs of the New York faithful. Following years and years of cryptic tweets, darkness retreats, and ayahuasca trips, Green Bay’s legendary quarterback and four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers finally left the nest that birthed him — Rodgers was traded to the Jets.
While there were questions surrounding the aging veteran’s ability following a down season in Green Bay, the Jets were ready to assuage those fears by giving Rodgers everything. For example, they signed two of his favorite targets from Green Bay — Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard — and signed Dalvin Cook to share carries with second-year running back Breece Hall.
It was like a scene out of a movie. Rodgers ran out of the tunnel carrying the American flag during Monday Night Football, and it felt like both the Jets and Rodgers had new life.
75 seconds.
It was gone.
On just his fourth snap of the season, Rodgers spun out of a sack and fell to the ground — season-ending Achilles tear.
At 39 years old, Rodgers believes he will improbably return in time for the playoffs. The problem? The Jets aren’t going to make it that far.
The man now leading the Jets is none other than the man declared a failed experiment by that same team last season. Zach Wilson proved time and time again he wasn’t an NFL-level quarterback. One can point to his rudimentary footwork, inability to go through progressions, inaccuracy connecting to open receivers, and poor decision-making.
If you’re asking what happens when an already mediocre quarterback loses confidence and swagger, look no further. These three weeks are some of Wilson’s worst performances.
The Jets may have eeked out a win against the Bills on that fateful Monday night, but they were certainly helped by Josh Allen’s three interceptions and two fumbles. Then, the emotions waned against the Cowboys, losing 30-10.
Last week it was the Patriots. New England had won 14 straight games against the Jets — and nothing changed. Wilson went 18-for-36, punting in eight of the first nine possessions. In one play late in the game, Wilson threw a check-down pass to the line of scrimmage on a fourth-and-ten. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett barely trusts him to pitch the ball — he called eight straight run plays to kick off a series.
Zoom out. His quarterback rating is 57.0, his interceptions double his touchdowns and his percentage of throws on target is 38 — for reference, Jalen Hurts is over 87% and even Justin Fields clears 50%.
Zach Wilson is not an NFL starter and his position as one on the New York Jets is unacceptable.
Following the Jets’15th straight loss to the divisional foe, head coach Robert Saleh said, “Right now, [Wilson]’s who gives us the best chance to win.”
“Right now.”
While I’d even begin to argue backup Tim Boyle might even be a step up, it’s beside the point. The Jets need to pick up the phone and get this runaway train back on the tracks.
The Jets can’t tank, because the team is set to win now. A setback that major would blow everything up. The cracks are already showing. Breece Hall was publicly upset about his snap count. Garrett Wilson was caught yelling at Wilson and Hackett on the sideline. This team needs something new.
If I were GM Joe Douglas, my first ring would be to a 612 area code — Minneapolis. Kirk Cousins is the ceiling of game-manager quarterbacks, and, frankly, he’s been phenomenal this season because his specialty is working within his own game. In fact, he currently leads the league in passing yards. However, the Vikings find themselves at 0-3 and on the brink of a rebuild — it might be time for them to look forward and for Cousins to find a ready-to-win team.
Following the former NFC North trend, why not place a West Coast call? The Rams looked to playing well above expectations in Week 1, but they have since crashed down to reality. Stafford has proven his pinpoint accuracy hasn’t deteriorated with age or injury. He’s elevated receivers even in Cooper Kupp’s absence — see Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell. Plus, he’s proven his ability to come into a similar situation and win a Super Bowl. The Rams finally have real draft picks this offseason, so why not get some more?
Even if they can’t hit a home run on a veteran quarterback, the Jets could go for a back-up, because, trust me, it will be an upgrade. There’s former back-up Mike White who has experience in the system — I’m sure he’s enjoying throwing 68-yard touchdowns in blowout games with Miami, though.
Reports even came out that veteran free agent Carson Wentz reached out to the Jets, and they rejected him. Listen, Carson Wentz is not a good quarterback. However, he is definitely an improvement from Wilson.
For the Jets, it’s simple.
Put aside your ego. Pick up the phone. Put a product on the field that’s not an embarrassment to the city of New York.
Anything else and it will be a long 14 weeks.