In describing the day of Joe Flacco, who was 18-of-33 for 149 yards on a day where offense was at a premium, this is what Jets head coach Robert Saleh had to say:
“He was awesome. He took a beating, but was getting rid of the ball the best he could and trying to get it to our playmakers. He did about everything you could ask.”
Flacco was just as upbeat, even after an 11-6 loss.
“I thought we played a hard-fought game. Points were tough to come by, but we did some things to move the ball, made some plays when we had to, and got into position, we just couldn’t hit them with the dagger,” Flacco said. “It was tough sledding and had we been able to put one of those in the end zone things might have been different, but I’m proud of how we battled. I think everybody out there had their mind right, and once you’re on the field, it all takes care of itself.”
None of that is anything that seems the Jets could have said at any point this season about the guy who should’ve been the quarterback, one Zach Wilson, and this is what Saleh said when asked what his message to Wilson will be going into the offseason.
“I’ll talk to him (Monday) but it’s basically the same: go home, read a book, do anything to clear your mind from football, and when you come back, have that clear mind and become that person we know you’re capable of being.”
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However, Saleh then had this to say when waxing poetic about what the Jets are building:
“We have a good team, and we know 7-4 wasn’t a mirage. We have a championship-caliber defense, a bunch of young guys who will get healthy, and I know we’ll get the quarterback right.”
Of course, that was a curious statement, given that he already said he believes Wilson can be the “player we know he’s capable of” and both Flacco and Mike White are free agents to be, so there could be an entirely new quarterback room in Florham Park come the summer.
Or, maybe not?
“It’s getting the people that are here better and evaluating it all,” Saleh said when asked what ‘getting the QB right’ means. “It’s all hands on deck. We have two free agents and a young kid in Zach we’re committed to, so it’s about finding ways to get better.”
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As Wilson is the only quarterback that, at least contractually, is set to be a Jet in 2023, does that mean perhaps a new offensive coordinator?
Saleh was asked about that, too, and as he has said in other instances recently, he doesn’t blame Mike LaFleur solely for the struggles, nor will he necessarily be the scapegoat.
“I will go back and do my process. I get it, but it’s so important for me to go through process,” Saleh said. “The amount of adversity he’s had to deal with, you can’t just blame one person. Making the best decision for the organization is first and foremost.”
When it comes to the Jets’ offensive leaders, only one thing is for sure: the next few months might be as tumultuous as the last few.
Follow Lou DiPietro on Twitter: @LouDiPietroWFAN
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