Zach Wilson Or Mike White? The New York Jets Have A Quarterback Controversy

The 2022 New York Jets have been one of the surpirse storylines of the NFL. Under second year head coach Robert Saleh, the Jets have a top defense, a 7-4 record, and a legitimate chance to make the playoffs. No one, not even most Jets fans, thought the green and white be competitive as they are this year. However the most surprising revelation has developed in their quarterback room between Zach Wilson and Mike White.

Entering this season Zach Wilson was excepted to make a positive leap forward in his second season after tumultuous rookie year. The former second overall pick showed flashes of great potential as a franchise NFL quarterback, but was never consistent in his play. Through six games in his sophomore campaign, Wilson completed less than 60% of his passes, averaged 200.3 yards per game, with four touchdowns to five interceptions. After an atrocious Week 10 game against the New England Patriots followed by an errant post-game comment, the Jets coaching staff decided to bench Wilson in favor of backup Mike White.

Mike White is no stranger to the Jets quarterback role as he played in four games last year due to a Wilson injury. His time as a starter was highlighted by a 34-31 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals where he threw for 405 yards and three touchdowns. It was the first game in NFL history that a quarterback threw three touchdowns and over 300 yards in their first NFL game.

White made his 2022 season debut against the Chicago Bears and played terrific. On his first drive White completed six of seven passes for 69 yards that was capped off by a touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson. White led the Jets to a 31-10 win while throwing for 315 yards and three touchdowns. The 27-year-old performed better than Wilson has all season which has sparked a conversation over who should remain the starter for the rest of the year.

In terms of physical traits, Wilson is the better quarterback. He has a stronger arm, is more mobile, and has the ability to make plays off schedule. However White’s advantage is in his understanding of the offense. White is able to get the ball out to his receivers quickly and knows where to go to other receivers when the first read isn’t open.

Coach Saleh as yet to make a decision on who will start next Sunday. Wilson hasn’t been ruled out returning to the starting lineup but the Jets haven’t committed to White going further. Whatever choice Saleh makes will be the one that gives Gang Green the best chance to win.

The Jets will play the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13.