Article 67H7B Jets' LaFleur: Wilson would've benefited from sitting behind veteran

Jets' LaFleur: Wilson would've benefited from sitting behind veteran

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Matthew Washington
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New York Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur believes the franchise did quarterback Zach Wilson a disservice by playing him immediately as a rookie.

"In hindsight, it probably would have benefited (him) just to sit back and learn a little bit and watch a veteran do it and just kind of grow in this league, kind of in the back seat watching and getting better in practice," LaFleur said, according to the New York Post's Brian Costello.

Wilson has established an 8-14 record as a starter over his first two seasons in the league. The BYU product was touted for his arm strength and superstar potential coming out of college.

However, the 2021 second overall pick has been benched twice this season after missing the first three games of the year due to a knee injury. He was unable to hold onto the starting role following an injury to Mike White, as he continued to struggle in his return.

Wilson has thrown for 1,688 yards, six touchdowns, and seven interceptions while completing 54.5% of his pass attempts through nine games in his second year.

LaFleur shouldered some of the blame for Wilson's shortcomings while insisting Wilson could still develop into the quarterback the franchise believes he can be.

"Through two years, yeah we haven't done our job with him," LaFleur said. "Any player at any position that isn't producing to the level that they're capable of, as a coach you've failed them."

LaFleur has come under fire for the offense's struggles in 2022. New York is currently averaging just 18.1 points per game (27th in NFL) with one week remaining in the schedule.

Head coach Robert Saleh suggested Wilson needs to get away from football this offseason and unplug.

"Go read a book, go do something, get away from this game, just reset," Saleh said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini.

The Jets reportedly don't plan to shop Wilson around this offseason but haven't committed to him as their starter in 2023.

New York was eliminated from playoff contention following its fifth consecutive loss last weekend.

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