Former NFL QB names 'huge problem' for Jets

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson. Danielle Parhizkaran / USA TODAY NETWORK

Former NFL QB names 'huge problem' Jets have ahead of trade deadline

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 10/30/23

Former New York Jets quarterback and current "The NFL Today" analyst Boomer Esiason hasn't been shy about criticizing current New York starter Zach Wilson. He did so again coming off the club's 13-10 overtime win over the New York Giants on Sunday.

"The Jets have a huge problem at quarterback," Esiason said about Wilson during Monday's edition of the WFAN "Boomer and Gio" program, according to Ryan Chichester of Audacy. "There are a couple times where he just completely loses, in real time, loses the down clock. He’s not even aware of it. It’s remarkable to me."

Esiason previously ripped Wilson after the 24-year-old failed to properly manage the clock in the final seconds of the first half of what became a Week 5 win at the Denver Broncos earlier this month. On Sunday, the signal-caller connected with wide receiver Allen Lazard on a pass over the middle of the field in the final seconds of regulation that allowed the Jets to ultimately kick a game-tying field goal. Even though things worked out in Gang Green's favor, Esiason knocked Wilson for throwing a ball that nearly ended the game.

Wilson finds Lazard and spikes it in time!

: #NYJvsNYG on CBS
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Quwvdzpx7G pic.twitter.com/bM88jN0N0F
— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2023

"This is the same thing that happened in Denver," Esiason explained. "You cannot throw the ball, after you have broken the pocket and run around, and then throw the ball against the grain…hand the ball to the official, have him spot it, and then snap the ball and spike it. It almost happened again. The awareness, or lack thereof, from Zach Wilson, is mind-boggling."

Wilson is starting in place of the injured Aaron Rodgers, who probably will miss the remainder of the season due to the torn Achilles he suffered in Week 1. The third-year pro completed only 17-of-36 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown against the Giants, and former Jets offensive lineman Willie Colon said during the SNY postgame show that the 4-3 club continuing to play Wilson at the sport's most important position is "an embarrassment" and "not cute anymore."

Per ESPN stats, Wilson ended the weekend ranked 29th in the NFL among qualified players with a 36.8 adjusted QBR and 30th with a 74.3 passer rating on the season. He threw five touchdown passes and five interceptions across the campaign's first seven games.

As recently as Monday, the Jets were linked with Tennessee Titans veteran Ryan Tannehill ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline. It's unclear if the Jets will look to land Tannehill or a different proven quarterback before they host the 3-4 Los Angeles Chargers next Monday night.

More must-reads: