Former Jets HC Rex Ryan has harsh words for QB Zach Wilson
Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan didn't mince his words when talking about quarterback Zach Wilson.
In an appearance on ESPN's "Get Up" morning program, Ryan blasted Wilson's immaturity and said that the former BYU standout "doesn't get it."
"You always start with I and me," Ryan said of Wilson's unwillingness to take the blame for New York's 10-3 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Rather than shoulder accountability for the team's defeat, Wilson said he didn't feel like he let the defense down with his performance.
Wilson's comments apparently irked the defensive side of the locker room. Jets rookie receiver Garrett Wilson also exclaimed his deep frustration with how New York's offense has been performing.
Ryan, the Jets coach from from 2009 to 2014, said that Wilson's play is a big reason why an otherwise talented New York squad could miss the playoffs.
Ryan said Wilson lacks the leadership that his former quarterback Mark Sanchez had as a young signal caller when that 2009 Jets team made the playoffs.
"This guy ain't close to Mark Sanchez," Ryan exclaimed. "Mark Sanchez took every arrow known to man, whether he deserved it or not."
Ryan added that Wilson deserved the criticism lobbied his way on Sunday for his poor outing.
"Kid, grow up," Ryan said of Wilson, who added he runs the risk of dividing the locker room.
"You better step up and be a man. ... This kid's a talent. I'm not worried about the talent. I'm worried about you being a man and understanding your responsibility for this football team as a quarterback."
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