Robert Saleh called out those who are critical of Zach Wilson’s play, citing the “instant-coffee world” that the NFL has become wrapped up in when it becomes to the expectations for young quarterbacks.
Saleh was asked about comparisons between Wilson and Trevor Lawrence, who was taken just before Wilson in the NFL Draft, and is now showing clear signs of stardom with the improving Jaguars.
Meanwhile, Wilson has been benched, criticized for a lack of accountability with the media, and is now back as the starter because of an injury to Mike White. Saleh has continued to back Wilson despite another rough season, and Tiki takes exception to the Jets head coach implying that it’s those on the outside who need to adjust expectations and perceptions when it comes to Wilson.
“First of all, you started a rookie quarterback, unprepared…you did the same thing this year, because the same mistakes that were plaguing him last year are plaguing him this year,” Tiki said. “Now, you benched him….maybe we called for him to be benched, but you benched him, because he was fundamentally flawed and had so many things to work on, and then you bring him back because Mike White isn’t ‘cleared’ to play by team doctors…now it’s our fault for criticizing him?
“Robert Saleh is trying to play both sides of the coin when it comes to Zach Wilson, because he’s trying to protect him, but at the same time, realizing he’s flawed.”
Tiki is looking for some more straightforwardness from Saleh, who is calling out critics when it comes to a quarterback who he himself benched for poor play just a few short weeks ago.
“We’re New Yorkers, man,” Tiki said. “We call what we see. As media we do it, as fans we do it. if you’re deserving of praise you’re gonna get praise.
If you’re deserving of criticism, you’re gonna get criticism. If you come through all of that at the other end, we’ll love you…but you gotta earn it. I think Robert Saleh is trying to make excuses for his quarterback.”
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