Zach Wilson opened himself up to criticism not specific to his on-field performance on Sunday after he dismissed the idea that his poor play let down a stout Jets defense.
Head coach Robert Saleh admitted on Monday that it could have been handled better by the sophomore quarterback.
“Football is an emotional game,” Saleh said. “I’m not gonna shy away from the fact that he is the ultimate competitor, wants to win as much as anybody, and works as hard as anybody. It means so much to him. Can he be a little better in front of you guys when he’s up here at the podium in terms of the expectation that when you are standing at the podium, it’s your job to take bullets and own it, especially when it’s time to own it? Yeah, of course he can.
“I don't think it's indicative of how he feels about his team or teammates. I don't think he is naïve to the fact that offense wasn't played to the best of their ability while the defense is balling, I don’t think that’s what he was trying to convey. I really don’t.”
Saleh opened some eyes himself when he didn’t commit to Wilson as the starting quarterback next weekend against the Bears, but still stands by the former No. 2 overall pick, as he still has plenty of growing and improving to do.
“Obviously he can be a little better,” Saleh said. “And I think he’ll be better for it.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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