Despite taking New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson to task for his poor performances last week, after a good showing against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, team legend Joe Namath is now back on the Wilson bandwagon.
It’s no secret that 2021 first-round pick Zach Wilson has not lived up to the expectations the team had when they made him the second selection overall in that year. While growing pains were assumed in his rookie year, he actually regressed notably in his sophomore season. That year two performance and a lack of accountability soured both teammates and fans alike last season.
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That’s why it was seen as a God-sent that the organization was able to secure a blockbuster trade for future Hall-of-Famer Aaron Rodgers. But in a twist of classic New York Jets luck, Rodgers was sidelined for the season by a freak Achilles tear in Week 1. Adding insult to injury, Wilson was thrust back into the role as a starter and looked just like he did in 2022 after three games.
That is why Joe Namath unleashed his fan frustration about the young QB during an appearance on ESPN NY 98.7 FM last week. “You sit down? You sit down on a play? You go right down? What happened?” Namath said. “I thought you’re trying to win and make plays. You quit on a play? What is going on? It’s disgusting … I wouldn’t keep him. I’ve seen enough of Zach Wilson.”
- Zach Wilson stats (2023): 712 yards, 4 TD, 4 INT, 72.3 rating
New York Jets icon dramatically changes his tune about Zach Wilson
On Sunday versus the defending champion Chiefs, Wilson actually played well. He threw for nearly 300, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 105.2 passer rating in a hard-fought loss. Well, it seems that the big bounce-back showing had an impact on the Jets icon, as he mentioned in another ESPN NY appearance on Tuesday.
“As a fan, you get really frustrated. I didn’t think for a minute they were going to get rid of him. Of course, they’re gonna stick with him. And he’s going to improve. Hopefully, he’ll keep improving, and hopefully, we’ll start winning games.
“… I said it. I take it back. I hope he stays for 10 years. He played well. He played pretty darn good, and that’s what we want to see. Believe me, I am a Jet fan. I want us to do well. I get fed up when something goes wrong, of course. And I’m tired of losing.”
– Joe Namath
Boy, how things change in just a week with Gang Green fans and legends.