Zach Wilson remains positive despite Jets’ offensive struggles: ‘We are right there, we are close’

Zach Wilson has faced much criticism from fans and media recently.

But the former No. 2 overall pick has remained positive throughout the Jets’ offensive struggles.

“It’s been tough, it’s been challenging,” Wilson told reporters on Wednesday. “We just gotta keep going. I’m very optimistic in what we have as on offense.

“Every week, we are right there, we are close. Eventually, we have to turn the page, but I’m still excited for this next week and this next challenge. It’s just fighting through it and learning.”

Before the season started, the Jets marveled at Wilson’s maturity on and off the field after he was benched twice a year ago. His confidence on the field and his decisiveness also was noticeable throughout training camp and the preseason.

However, Wilson wasn’t supposed to play at all this season. The Jets intended Wilson to be Aaron Rodgers’ backup quarterback. But Wilson once again became the Jets starting quarterback when Rodgers tore his Achilles four snaps into the season opener against the Bills.

Since Rodgers’ injury, the Jets offense has faltered. They have scored a total of eight touchdowns in eight games this season. Wilson himself has thrown for 1,600 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions. He is also ranked 31st in total quarterback rating (32.3).

Not only that, Gang Green ranks 31st in total offense (272.9 yards per game) and 30th in points per game (16.5). The Jets are also dead last in the NFL in third-point conversions rate (22.1%) and red zone touchdowns efficiency (23.8%).

One of the lowest points of the season came during the 27-6 loss against the Chargers last Monday night.

Gang Green’s defense did its job by holding Justin Herbert and the Chargers to 191 yards of total offense. However, the Jets had three turnovers and they struggled with pre-snap penalties and missed throws by Wilson in the passing game.

Wilson has also struggled with holding the ball too long behind a Jets offensive line that has had five different lineups in eight games.

“Just too many mistakes,” Wilson said. “I think I started out the game throwing the ball over C.J.’s [Uzomah] head and that can’t happen. I gotta find a way to be better at the beginning of the game. As an offense, I feel like we are just taking turns. We talked about the self-inflicted wounds and it kind of feels like every time something good happens, we have some sort of penalty or negative play.

“And that starts with me, just communication and making sure we are all on the same page. Whatever it is, we need to be better in those instances and how can we stay ahead of the sticks. I took two sacks in the red zone and I gotta find a way to get the ball out of my hands. I gotta find a way to be better there.”

Even with the struggles from him recently, Jets coach Robert Saleh has remained committed to Wilson. He will start again this weekend against the Raiders in a game the Jets desperately need.

At 4-4, the Jets are 11th in the AFC with difficult games at Buffalo and home on Nov. 24 against Miami on a short week after the game against Las Vegas. There was some belief the Jets would get Trevor Siemian ready to play just in case the offense continues to falter. Gang Green signed Siemian, who has former starting experience with the Broncos, to its practice squad on Sept. 26, but Tim Boyle remains the team’s backup to Wilson.

Saleh said he will continue to give Wilson the first-team reps in practice.

“You’re always going to give those reps to the starting quarterback,” Saleh said. “That’s everywhere. You got to prepare for him to play football, so he can go out there and be his best. It’s a part of being a backup.

“We have a 10-minute developmental period where those guys get all the game plan reps that they miss out on during practice. There’s just not enough reps for everybody to go around with all the new sports science, but fair question, but not something we can give him.”

Wilson is no stranger to criticism during his tenure with the Jets. He was benched twice last season for then backup Mike White after poor performances. In three seasons in the league, Wilson has thrown for 5,622 yards, 20 touchdowns and 23 interceptions and has a quarterback rating of 72.3. He also has a record of 11-18 in the 29 career games Wilson has played.

The Jets have a playoff-caliber defense ranked ninth in yards (312) and sixth in points allowed (19.5). With Rodgers, some expected the Jets to make a run at a Super Bowl.

Even with Wilson under center, there was some thought the Jets could contend for a playoff spot behind their defense and an exceptional special teams unit. Unless the offense improves, that appears to be unlikely.

“I think the NFL season is a roller coaster,” Wilson said. “I feel like I’m in a good spot. It sucks because we are not doing a whole lot offensively. Progressively each week, I feel more and more comfortable.

“I feel like I’m getting better and that’s all you can do really in my eyes. It’s like, you’re progressively, you’re just working to get better and improve, it’s going to click at some point and I think everyone has that mindset.”