Jets' Zach Wilson rejects 'scapegoat' tag after being benched - ESPN

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Exactly one year ago, New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson was benched for the first time. This one, he said, is different.

While he accepted his latest demotion without objection, Wilson said he believes he is an improved player who paid the price for an offense that has scored only nine touchdowns in 10 games. But he doesn't think he was treated unfairly.

«I don't think I was scapegoated. Absolutely not,» he said Tuesday. «You've got to look at the situation. We're not scoring touchdowns. Regardless of what I'm doing, my job as a quarterback is to help us score points. I can sit here and say I've had a bunch of growth and tremendous whatever this year, but if you're not scoring touchdowns, it doesn't matter. It really doesn't. And I get that.»

On Monday, Wilson — drafted No. 2 in 2021 — was replaced by journeyman Tim Boyle, who will start Friday against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Boyle will be their third starter. Aaron Rodgers lasted only four plays before tearing an Achilles, forcing Wilson into the lineup in what was supposed to be a «redshirt year,» as coach Robert Saleh has called it.

Wilson lost his grip on the starting job last Nov. 22, when he was benched in favor of Mike White. A poor performance against the New England Patriots, coupled with a postgame news conference in which he deflected blame, factored into that decision.

«It's a lot different,» Wilson said, comparing the two situations. «Obviously, I wasn't doing anything well last year. It was well-deserved. I felt like it was deserved in the locker room. But where I'm at right now, it's like we're truly struggling as an offense. It's hard to point the finger at anybody. I hope we can figure things out and I'll take that