Jets OC explains why Joe Flacco is starting over Mike White

New York Jets veteran backup quarterback Joe Flacco is filling in for the injured Zach Wilson and wasn't the only reason Gang Green fell to the Baltimore Ravens 24-9 in this past Sunday's regular-season opener. 

Flacco was curiously asked to attempt 59 passes against Baltimore and completed 37 of those throws for 309 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The statue-esque 37-year-old also endured three sacks and 10 quarterback hits in the defeat, and his inability to escape pass-rushers had some observers and fans calling for head coach Robert Saleh to go to third-string option Mike White for this Sunday's game at the 1-0 Cleveland Browns. 

Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur spoke with reporters Thursday and explained why Flacco will remain under center for at least that contest. 

"When everyone around was playing at their best, whatever play that might be, when I was calling the right play, when the pocket was there, Joe was efficient in those terms," LaFleur said, per Garrett Stepien of SNY. "It was a collective deal, starting with myself. For Joe just to learn from some of the experiences that he had during that game, I have all the confidence in Joe and I know he has the confidence in himself — and the players do, too." 

Earlier this week, retired quarterback and former Jets starter Ryan Fitzpatrick campaigned for Flacco to remain atop the depth chart, in part because wide receivers such as Elijah Moore and Corey Davis "are all gonna be better" playing with the Super Bowl XLVII Most Valuable Player over White. 

"I always put it on myself first because I think execution and lack of scoring always falls on the play-caller, period, especially when you have the players to get the job done," LaFleur continued during his comments. "I've got to put them in a position to be more successful, our offense to be more successful — not put our guys in such a bind at times — and that's the plan moving forward." 

White became a cult hero among Jets fans after he completed 37-of-45 passes for 405 yards with three touchdowns in a win over the Cincinnati Bengals last Halloween. For what it's worth, the Jets host none other than the Bengals in Week 3 on Sept. 25.