The New York Jets entered a disputable zone. The franchise landed in hot water with Zach Wilson just weeks after catching up with success. But there seems to be more tension among the athletes and coaching staff. The Jets’ focus on the passing game led to frustrations among the receivers, as Elijah Moore voiced his anger over OC Mike LaFleur.
This year, the franchise had an upward trend after picking some wins. However, despite relying on the passing game, OC Mike LaFleur focused on the run game. The approach worked well for a while, but it bred some frustrations over second-year WE Elijah Moore. The intensity is much higher than everyone thought it to be.
The Mike LaFleur-Elijah Moore banter
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According to The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt, Elijah Moore’s frustration rose when he was not getting targeted during the games. The WR expressed anger after the Week 6 game against the Green Bay Packers, where NY picked up a 27-10 lead. His bitterness was visible in the practices. But he caught everyone off guard after slurring OC Mike LaFleur. The ones observing their exchange heard the WR telling the OC to “go f**k yourself” and “you s*ck”.
The Jets were winning but as Zach Wilson got worse, frustration mounted. WRs openly grumbled. Mike LaFleur yearned for a different QB.
Then it fell apart, a once promising season ending in disappointment.
Inside a failed QB + OC marriage and the fallout: https://t.co/I3Ubge4Td6
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) January 19, 2023
The full WR-OC drama suffered another bump when HC Robert Saleh and Mike LaFleur sent Elijah Moore home. The wideout requested a trade and did not play in the Week 7 game against the Broncos.
Moore later remained in New York with the Jets, resolving the disagreement. Both hugged before practice, and LaFleur told reporters it was good to have him back in the facility after they worked out their differences and were on the same page.
The Jets may have dealt with Elijah Moore and parted ways with Mike LaFleur. But what is next for Zach Wilson?
Is the Zach Wilson era doomed in the Jets?
Zach Wilson’s tenure with the Jets was not a warm one. The quarterback had some success, but that did not last long. Some of his teammates were also not happy with him. Interestingly, after New York got trashed by New England, the locker room was ecstatic to see Mike White instead of Wilson for the next set of games.
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Report: After a 10-3 loss to the #Patriots mid-season, the #Jets locker room "rejoiced" that the team decided to bench QB Zach Wilson in favor of journeyman Mike White.
When Wilson replaced White weeks later, multiple teammates "openly grumbled" in meetings, per @ZackBlatt pic.twitter.com/C6uh6T4Bcm
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 19, 2023
The QB’s downfall was visible after a humiliating defeat to the Jaguars. Moreover, with them making some alterations to the roster, a Zach Wilson cutoff might be on the horizon.
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Will the rookie quarterback exit? Or will he stay in New York? It is subject to witness.
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