The New York Jets are about to make a huge mistake with their quarterback situation before the NFL season begins.
This problem comes from which quarterback the team will play when the season begins.
Currently, second-year quarterback Zach Wilson is coming off a knee surgery.
However, he could be available for the team’s Week 1 game.
This comes from head coach Robert Saleh.
🚨 Jets head coach Robert Saleh says there’s a possibility we could see QB Zach Wilson (knee) start this Sunday against the Ravens. pic.twitter.com/8T2YUfv2WZ
— Sporting News NFL (@sn_nfl) September 5, 2022
But rushing him back onto the field after his surgery can end in disaster.
So why should the Jets bench him if he’s available during Week 1?
Wilson’s Surgery Was Less Than A Month Ago
While he didn’t suffer a major injury to his knee, the surgery was less than a month ago.
However, it was successful, and Wilson was already heading back to be with his team shortly afterwards.
Jets HC Rpbert Saleh said QB @ZachWilson flew back last night after knee surgery. He said Wilson was at the facility today, was walking around and in good spirits. Saleh didn’t give specifics regarding time on a return. @nyjets camp
— Eric Allen (@eallenjets) August 18, 2022
But regardless of the success, Wilson is an investment the Jets can’t risk losing.
The team already blew a first-round pick on Sam Darnold back in 2018.
If they allow Wilson to play, without giving him more time to recover, this could mean another blown first-round pick at QB by New York.
Even with a 2-4-week timetable for recovery, rushing him back risks him re-injuring himself.
However, Wilson’s past injury history shows the Jets need to wait on him.
Wilson Already Had A Knee Injury In 2021
This isn’t Wilson’s first knee injury in the NFL.
The 2021 season saw him missing games over a knee injury.
While his performance after returning from injury was good, the injury history in a short time of his knees isn’t good.
Zach Wilson stats before and after injury.
Before: 6 games, 1,168 yards, 4 TDs and 9 INTs
After: 4 games, 743 yards, 5 TDs and 2 INTs
Tell me again how he’s not getting better. Looking at a certain beat writer.
— Follow @jgrayjets (@JGrayJets_) December 21, 2021
Pushing him back into the starting role risks a third knee injury.
However, when you factor in how his offensive line has unproven talent, it could mean he’ll be running more often.
With him coming off that surgery, any wrong move to avoid defenders can cause him to re-injure himself.
What the team needs to do is let him set most this season, to learn and heal.
But with fans and the coaching staff wanting a winning team, the pressure is to start him.
However, they have nothing to lose in starting Joe Flacco over Wilson.
Flacco Gives The Jets Similar Chances Of Winning
Jets fans are accustomed to having losing seasons in New York.
So having Flacco start gives them the same chances of winning games.
He’s a veteran quarterback and has taken his former team, the Baltimore Ravens, to a Super Bowl.
While fans might want youth over experience, the team isn’t good enough for Wilson to lead in his current state.
Flacco is the safe bet, as his experience can help the Jets win games.
It also allows the young QB to rest and learn.
Flacco also showed during the preseason he can still be a starting quarterback.
That was a good looking drive. Flacco spread it around nicely.
— Dan B. (@danbau76) August 28, 2022
Him spreading the ball around and managing drives are key components for a starting quarterback.
That’s why New York should allow him to start the Week 1 game.
They need to protect their future QB, not throw him into a burning fire.
