The Jets’ decision to bench quarterback Zach Wilson certainly made waves throughout the NFL landscape. Naturally, it sent waves through the Jets’ locker room as well.
A few players spoke to the media Wednesday regarding Wilson and the switch at the quarterback position.
Cornerback D.J. Reed told ESPN’s Rich Cimini Wilson spoke to the team Wednesday and called it a “heartfelt” message and “something that had to happen.”
D.J. Reed tells me that Zach Wilson did speak to the team today. Declined to get into specifics, but called it a “heartfelt” message. Said it was “something that had to happen.” Wilson told the team his goal is to win his job back. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 23, 2022
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Wide receiver Elijah Moore, who had been upset this season with his usage in the offense, said he supports both quarterbacks. He and the team have Wilson’s back despite his demotion and will support Wilson the way the team supported Moore and Denzel Mims following their respective trade requests.
Elijah Moore, asked about the QB change, tells me they support both QBs. Says they have Wilson’s back despite demotion. Says the team will support him the way it supported him and Mims following their situations (trade requests). #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 23, 2022
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Wide receiver Corey Davis was “glad” Wilson addressed the team. “It shows who he is,” Davis said. “He’s a leader and we’re going to need him moving forward.”
Corey Davis said he’s “glad” that Zach Wilson addressed the team after what happened Sunday.
“It shows who he is, his character. He’s a leader and we’re going to need him moving forward.” #Jets
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) November 23, 2022
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Even the new starting quarterback, Mike White, had good things to say about Wilson, saying Wilson has been extremely supportive of him and that he is a friend more than he is a teammate.
Mike White said that Zach Wilson has been extremely supportive of him and said that Zach is his friend even more than he’s his teammate. He feels like Zach is in his corner. #Jets
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) November 23, 2022
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Linebacker C.J. Mosley, one of the leaders of the defense, said he doesn’t have any hard feelings towards Wilson for his postgame comments and appreciated him speaking to the team Wednesday. Mosley added Wilson “put everything on him” and said he has to be better.
CJ Mosley said he didn’t have any hard feelings for what Zach Wilson said after the game and that he appreciated him speaking to the team today.
He said that Zach Wilson “put everything on him” and said that he has to be better. #Jets
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) November 23, 2022
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Mosley also spoke on the quarterback switch:
CJ Mosley on the QB change: “We had a hitch in our offense so we were looking for a difference maker to be more consistent … if things aren’t going well, you have to look for a different option. That’s not a knock on Zach, but we all have a job to do.” #Jets
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) November 23, 2022
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With the decision now set, the team is ready to move forward and continue toward their goal of reaching the playoffs and they seem ready to continue supporting Wilson in any way they can. But for now, it’s Mike White running the show.