2021 has been the season of backup quarterbacks getting ample playing time.
It seems like many teams have needed a backup or free agent quarterback to help them, and we are only halfway through the season.
One of the biggest surprises is Mike White, quarterback of the New York Jets.
When rookie first-round draft pick Zach Wilson went down with an injury, barely anyone even knew who White was.
It is safe to say White has made a name for himself and has endeared himself with the Jets coaches and fans.
Here are three reasons why White should be the Jets starting quarterback through Week 18.
3. The Jets Are Not Going To The Playoffs
A quick summary of the New York Jets season: pic.twitter.com/HHzSTsV190
— Boston Cream 🍩 (@itsbostoncream) November 8, 2021
Wilson has a knee injury.
While it is not as severe as Joe Burrow‘s in 2020, any knee injury for a quarterback is a cause for concern.
Rushing Wilson back if he is less than 100 percent proves nothing because the Jets are not a playoff team anyway.
If anything, it jeopardizes his health and further injury.
2. White Is Playing Better Than Wilson
Whereas Wilson struggled to a 1-5 record before getting injured, White came right in and won his first game.
White is 1-1 so far, and he has been great.
He has thrown five touchdowns and four interceptions.
MIKE. WHITE. 🗣🗣🗣
pic.twitter.com/MyFk2urJPG— PFF (@PFF) November 5, 2021
Yes, fewer interceptions would be better, but when Wilson got injured, he had four touchdowns and nine interceptions.
White has more touchdowns and fewer interceptions than Wilson.
The stats of his first NFL start are amazing, and his jersey from that game is already in Canton.
It’s another Mike White Day. pic.twitter.com/Kv8DuXEEU7
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 4, 2021
The fact is White is seizing his opportunity, and his coach is fully aware of that.
Recently, head coach Robert Saleh said:
“One of the great things of this league is you do get these guys who sometimes come out of nowhere and they get their opportunity and they showcase who they are and show that they belong. I’ve got a great appreciation for what Mike is going through and I have a lot of respect for his opportunity.”
1. Wilson Is The Future; White Is The Man Of The Moment
The Jets drafted Wilson second overall and have not shied away from the great expectations they have for him.
His rookie season has been a series of hits and misses.
#Jets HC Robert Saleh quoted the great Bill Parcells on @TMKSESPN when describing the trials & tribulations Zach Wilson has already been through in his rookie campaign, ‘there are 2 things in NY, there’s euphoria & disaster & I think he is starting to understand that’ #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/eMeF9AUWlQ
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) November 11, 2021
The fact is that the Jets need to build around him and get more protection for him.
There is no quarterback controversy.
Bringing Wilson back prematurely to try and quell the naysayers does a disservice to both Wilson and White.
White signed a one-year contract with the Jets for $850,000.
Given how he is playing, he will likely want to test the free agent market at the end of the season.
Conclusion
For better or worse, the Jets mismanaged their last rookie quarterback, Sam Darnold.
Maybe they should take the time to develop a young quarterback like Wilson before throwing him into the heat of battle without much protection.
Bringing Wilson along slowly is not a bad plan especially since he is not healthy, and White is tearing it up right now.
NEXT: Mike White Blasts Scouts Who Doubted Him In Draft
