Robert Saleh discusses benching Tim Boyle, team's QB situation
Perhaps Zach Wilson truly is the New York Jets' best option at quarterback.
New York (4-8) made another quarterback change to start the fourth quarter of Sunday's 13-8 loss to the Atlanta Falcons (6-6), pulling QB Tim Boyle for journeyman Trevor Siemian.
Boyle was making just his second start since taking over for Wilson and had completed 14 of 25 passes for 148 yards before getting benched, with his last throw being a costly interception.
Speaking to reporters during his postgame news conference, Jets HC Robert Saleh said he benched Boyle because he was "trying to spark the offense."
While he couldn't confirm who the Jets' starting quarterback against the Houston Texans next week will be, Saleh said Wilson is "always in consideration” when asked if he'd consider turning back to the former No. 2 overall pick.
Considering Boyle has thrown for 360 yards with only one touchdown compared to four interceptions in his limited playing time this season, it wouldn't be a shock to see Siemian take over as the starter.
Siemian, who started one game for the Jets in 2019 and attempted just six passes before suffering a season-ending ankle injury, has made 30 career starts, mainly as a member of the Denver Broncos.
The 31-year-old didn't fare much better than Boyle on Sunday, failing to provide the spark Saleh desired, finishing 5-of-13 passing for 66 yards.
But at some point, the team's struggles cannot solely be blamed on the quarterbacks, and Saleh, as well as GM Joe Douglas, must be held accountable.
It’s no secret that the Jets offense has struggled throughout the season, as it ranks 30th in points scored (171), but the unit has been particularly dreadful during the team's current five-game losing streak. As pointed out by SNY's Connor Hughes, New York has failed to reach the end zone in three of its last five games.
During that span, the Jets are tied for the lowest point differential in the NFL (-77) with the Washington Commanders, which is especially concerning considering the disparity in talent on defense between the teams.
Even so, Saleh and Douglas' jobs are likely safe since prized offseason acquisition QB Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles in Week 1. The four-time league MVP returned to practice last week but probably won't appear in a game this season, nor should he, with the Jets' playoff hopes seemingly dead.
Nonetheless, both Saleh and Douglas are undoubtedly on scorching hot seats heading into 2024. And given how their team is performing this season, even the return of their MVP quarterback might not be enough to help them keep their jobs beyond next season.
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