It’s perhaps been the longest three weeks of Zach Wilson’s life. Since losing his starting job after the loss to the New England Patriots in Week 11, Wilson has had more time to reflect on himself and where he stands as a quarterback in just his second season in the NFL.
Wilson said he had to “find the fun in football” again as he looked to reset and improve his fundamentals, which was the biggest factor for him since being benched.
“The biggest thing for me mentally was finding the fun in football,” Wilson said. “I love this game. It definitely wasn’t lost, but I think you guys felt the frustration over some of those rough games.”
Wilson took a step closer to returning to the starting lineup Wednesday after he was elevated to the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, moving back ahead of Joe Flacco. Mike White is still the starter and the Jets are still operating as if he will be the starter this week against the Detroit Lions.
Nonetheless, Wilson still believes he is the future of the franchise.
“Yeah, I definitely believe in myself. Of course I have all the confidence in the world — I think that’s how it should be — but you gotta be able to prove that.”
Wilson on how he benefitted from the break: “The biggest thing for me mentally was finding the fun in football. I love this game. It definitely wasn’t lost, but I think you guys felt the frustration over some of those rough games.” #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) December 14, 2022
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Q: Do you think you’re still the future here?
Zach Wilson: “Yeah, I definitely believe in myself. Of course I have all the confidence in the world — I think that’s how it should be — but you gotta be able to prove that.” #Jets— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) December 14, 2022
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Wilson will at least have a little more of a chance to prove that now that he is the No. 2 quarterback, which means he is always one play away from getting back on the field.
Whether he reclaims his No. 1 spot this year, or at all, is another story. Week by week, as head coach Robert Saleh says.