When discussing his team’s offensive and quarterback Zach Wilson on Thursday night, Woody Johnson, the owner of the New York Jets, didn’t hold back.
Speaking in front of the NFL Honors ceremony in Las Vegas before the Super Bowl, Johnson criticized the Jets’ offensive following a difficult 7-10 campaign, the majority of which was spent under Wilson. It’s now or never, in his opinion, for head coach Robert Saleh and the entire team.
Prior to the season, the Jets appeared to be a strong contender. However, starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury just four plays into the game.
Tim Boyle and Wilson attempted to lead the Jets the remainder of the season, but the squad never fully bounced back from that setback. Former No. 2 overall pick Wilson has a 4-7 record in his starting role. In 2,271 yards of passing, he threw eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. With one year remaining on his original four-year contract, it is quite likely that the Jets will move or cut him.
A backup quarterback is necessary, Johnson stated on Thursday. “It wasn’t here the previous year.”
Rodgers, despite undergoing a significant injury and recently turning 40, has declared he will play next season. It remains to be seen who Johnson and the Jets decide to add as a backup quarterback.
Johnson is already exerting pressure, either way. He doesn’t want their playoff drought to continue, which now stands at 13 seasons—the longest in major men’s professional sports in the country.
Johnson declared, “This is it.” It’s time to leave now. Producing is required of us this year.”
