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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The New York Jets had grand plans for this season, with the blockbuster trade of Aaron Rodgers. But things seldom go according to plans. In his first game for the Jets, four snaps in, A-Rod tore his left Achilles heel. And in stepped backup QB Zach Wilson. With Rodgers out for the season, Wilson became the starter. But it hasn’t been smooth sailing for the youngster. Who is to blame for this debacle?

While it is easy to lay all the blame at the feet of the 24-year-old QB, it is not as easy as it seems. Going 4-8 this season, the blame has to be shared around the entire franchise. Though the adaptability of Wilson can be questioned, HC Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett shouldn’t be spared either.

Zach Wilson is reluctant

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Earlier this week bombshell reports came in that Wilson is reluctant to start the game against the Houston Texans. However, HC Saleh quashed these reports by saying, “If he was reluctant to play, guys, he wouldn’t be here”. But as the old saying goes, there’s no smoke without the fire.

Wilson’s reluctance could be because he was benched a couple of weeks ago against the Bills. Or it could be that the team isn’t designed with his play style in mind. Modern QBs require a team to be built around them to flourish and this Jets’ squad has Rodgers’ imprints, not Wilson’s.

Wilson excelled at BYU during his college career, racking up 56 TDs in just 30 games. It is this tactically offensive style that made him the Jets’ 2nd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. But he is unable to explore his explosiveness with a team built around an aging QB in Rodgers. This Sunday though many things will be cleared.

Battle for pride and wildcard spot

HC Saleh still hasn’t revealed who he plans to start this Sunday against the formidable Texans. Where Wilson has been inaccurate and error-prone, rookie QB CJ Stroud has been a pleasant surprise. As the Texans, who are still in the hunt for a wild card spot in the AFC, they are desperate to win the next one.

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The Jets will try to snap a five-game losing streak. And the Texans will try to keep pace with the Indianapolis Colts and the Los Angeles Chargers for the final playoff spot in the AFC. It should be an interesting matchup.

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The game will kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET, this Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Let us know your predictions for the game in the comments.

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