Jets' Robert Saleh repeats challenge for Zach Wilson

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh challenged third-year quarterback Zach Wilson to "just let the thing rip" shortly after Saleh officially named Wilson his starter for this Sunday's home game versus the 7-5 Houston Texans. 

Saleh expanded on that take during a Friday news conference.  

"With Zach, it’s always been to 'let it go,'" Saleh remarked, as shared by the Jets' website and the New York Post. "And it’s mainly just have confidence, believe what you see, just let the ball go. I’ve always had confidence in him. Like I said, he’s done it before, he’s done it in stretches, and he just has to have faith in his ability to play at a high level early, because he can do it. The good thing about him is he does get better as the game goes on. But just have faith and just let it rip and have fun playing football." 

It seems at least some of Saleh's message got through to Wilson, as it was previously reported that the 24-year-old who has been benched three times since November 2022 had "more fun than he’s had in his three seasons with the team" during midweek practices after he resumed his role as the team's starter. Of course, such information won't matter much if Wilson once again struggles at MetLife Stadium this Sunday. 

According to ESPN stats, Wilson began Friday responsible for a league-worst (among qualified players) 30.4 adjusted QBR on the season. He didn't play over the last two games after he was pulled from the Week 11 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 19.

Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett noted on Thursday that Wilson needs to know when to take what the defense gives him and when to trust his arm to make a big play. Saleh echoed Hackett's words. 

"It’s finding that balance of when things are available," Saleh explained. "...It’s just, let your mind go, let your arm rip, but playing within the construct of the scheme, but not trying to be a hero at the same time." 

Wilson and the 4-8 Jets theoretically have little to lose this Sunday considering the ESPN Football Power Index gave Gang Green a 0.1% chance to make the playoffs on Friday. Because of that reality, Saleh wants Wilson to play without fear but also embrace a "fine line between hero ball and boring ball" mentality against Houston. 

"It’s playing fast," Saleh continued. "It’s the faster you play, the freer you’ll play. So as he plays faster, he showcases his arm talent, he showcases his athleticism. A lot of that has to do with confidence within himself, within the call, within his teammates, and just that idea to play for one another and play fast."

As of Friday afternoon, oddschecker listed the Jets as 3.5-point home underdogs for Sunday's matchup.