Zach Wilson’s Job Security Is No Longer In Question

During the New York Jets’ Week 10 game against the Buffalo Bills, rookie quarterback Zach Wilson must have had mixed feelings.

On one end, he wanted Mike White to be victorious to add another win to their record.

However, there must be a side of him rooting for White’s demise because his success lessens his own playing time.

He may not publicly declare that feeling, but demoted quarterbacks likely feel envious when their backup takes over.

Here's the play where Zach Wilson got hurt. Here's what he said about the injury postgame. "I think my toe kind of just got stuck in the ground and Judon just kind of fell on it with all of his weight and that kind of twisted it. Felt a pop there…" #Jets pic.twitter.com/SVKN24SpQA

— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) October 24, 2021

Unfortunately, that’s what happened when he sprained his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).

White played magnificently to merit another start even if Wilson was already available to play.

But how quickly things turn around in the NFL, and Wilson’s stock is soaring once again.

He regained his claim as the rightful starter by doing nothing.

Brash Mike White Ate The Humble Pie

There’s nothing wrong with having self-confidence because it helps a person attain more achievements.

However, White must have thought highly of himself after one spectacular game.

Without question, he carried the Jets over the Cincinnati Bengals in his first NFL start.

But declaring statements that he will break Peyton Manning’s passing records is over the top.

You get a Mike White interception, You get a Mike White interception, You get a Mike White interception. BUFvsNYJ pic.twitter.com/jo9lmpT4nF

— Michael Burke Jr. 🍀 (@mburkejr08) November 14, 2021

It would be better for White to let his game do the talking.

Sadly, his game went on mute against Buffalo because he threw four interceptions.

The game was essentially over after three quarters when Buffalo had a 38-3 lead.

Worse, Joe Flacco entered the game and threw the only passing touchdown for the Jets.

Mike White vs. Buffalo:

24-for-44 (54%)
0 touchdowns
4 interceptions
33.4 quarterback rating

Did the Jets waste their 1st round draft pick selecting Mike White’s backup?! pic.twitter.com/SRnSU5EKXG

— Dead Serious (@Deadseriousness) November 14, 2021

White’s tenure as a starter is in jeopardy after that nightmarish performance.

Flacco might take over, but that’s counterproductive to the franchise’s long-term goals.

Therefore, head coach Robert Saleh has no other option but to give Wilson the spot he lost.

A Learning Experience For Zach Wilson

Wilson should be grateful that he gets to start again for the team that invested a ton of trust in him.

However, he must use this opportunity to improve his game, especially in making accurate throws.

Through six games, he has nine interceptions compared to four touchdowns.

But the four scores he threw occurred in just two games.

Zach Wilson is getting some work in with a brace on his knee out in Indy pic.twitter.com/H2jdwM8p5x

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) November 4, 2021

It’s not that his performances were head and shoulders better than White.

Instead, the Jets have no other options beyond White and Flacco.

He must use his recent experience as a chip on his shoulder that there are no guarantees in the NFL.

Even first-round draft picks get to warm the bench if they don’t live up to expectations.

Therefore, it’s time for Wilson to appreciate his spot by playing heads-up football.

Winnable Games Ahead

After winning the job again, Wilson can regain his confidence by getting more victories as the Jets’ starter.

Fortunately for the Jets, they will be facing the Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, and Philadelphia Eagles in the next three weeks.

Those are winnable games if Wilson plays his cards right.

Sure, he will be taking the snaps from under center.

The Mike White run was fun. It’s now over.

Zach Wilson will be back next week against the #Dolphins.

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) November 14, 2021

But he must show that he deserves to stay at the top of the depth chart.

His mentality must go beyond merely playing, but proving that the Jets made the right decision by selecting him.

Limiting his errors while throwing more touchdowns will be a good start.

If he can achieve those fundamentals constantly, the job is his to keep for a long time.