Josh McCown may not have been a starting franchise quarterback, but he spent 16 seasons in the NFL and knows a thing or two about the process for young quarterbacks to succeed in the league.
That is why he is preaching patience for Jets rookie Zach Wilson.
“All of a sudden you see Mike White play well you’re thinking maybe it’s not Zach, now reality sets in for Mike White. Again, they were picking at the top for a reason. They’re rebuilding that thing,” McCown said on the “Upon Further Review” podcast hosted by Zach Brook. “I think they added good pieces personnel-wise. They feel like they got their coach in Robert Saleh…I think there’s an organizational structure they’re trying to put in place.
“Zach has the talent. You’ve seen that this year. Now, it’s just fine tuning that. … You’re taking a first year offensive coordinator, rookie quarterback in LaFleur and Wilson and putting those guys together there’s gonna be bumps in the road. There’s no set formula for success. … I think the talent is there in Zach Wilson. I think there’s some things to be excited about and they just have to find their way.”
Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, has struggled in six games this season — throwing four touchdowns to nine interceptions.
But McCown added that it should not be surprising when we see rookies struggle, pointing out that he believes the way the Kansas City Chiefs handled Patrick Mahomes is the best approach.
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“Even Pat coming in to sit in behind Alex [Smith], I think that’s a better formula over time to help these guys put their best foot forward,” McCown said. “This game is hard. Constant reminder every year. We want to chase the early success and hold these guys to the standard we saw in college. Unless you’re coming into a unique situation where the table is set and team is good, I think we’re seeing that a little with Mac Jones, … we gotta temper our expectations a little bit.”
McCown spent the 2017 and ’18 seasons with the Jets, serving as a mentor of sorts to Sam Darnold.
The 42-year-old has fond memories from his days with Gang Green and still roots, but also believes in the vision of the team.
“I root so hard for them to get it right because they deserve to win,” he said. “That fanbase, that organization they deserve to win and you wanna see them get it right. I really enjoyed my time there. … I think Joe Douglas is doing the right things. I think he’s running it the right away. I believe in him. I believe it’s going to turn. I know they hate hearing it but give ‘em time. It’s gonna get right…get it rolling because there’s nothing better than that ‘J-E-T-S.’ It gives you chills thinking about it.”
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