QB Zach Wilson sends message to frustrated Jets fans

Quarterback Zach Wilson wants New York Jets fans to know they're not the only people linked with the franchise upset about the club's offensive performances. 

"I would hope they trust and believe in me, but my job as a quarterback is to 100% focus on how I can put this team in the best position possible," Wilson said when asked Wednesday what he'd say to Jets fans to convince them he's "the right man to lead this playoff charge," per the team's website. "I want the Jets fans to obviously hang with us and believe in us, and I hope they know, as frustrated as they are, we’re even more frustrated." 

Wilson took over as New York's starter after Aaron Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles early in Week 1. Per ESPN stats, he's ranked 31st among qualified players with a 32.3 adjusted QBR on the campaign. The Jets offense is ranked 31st in the league with an average of 272.9 yards per game, while New York's defense is ninth with an average of 312.0 yards surrendered per contest. 

Head coach Robert Saleh confirmed Tuesday he's starting Wilson over backup Tim Boyle and practice squad option Trevor Siemian when the 4-4 Jets play at the 4-5 Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday night. Saleh insisted Wednesday nobody is forcing him to play the 2021 second overall pick. 

"I want them to know that I’m doing everything I absolutely can to be the best quarterback I can be, to help us get to the playoffs and more," Wilson continued during his message to Jets fans. "That’s all I want them to know is we’re fighting. We’re fighting." 

Rodgers probably isn't returning to the lineup until the Week 16 game against the Washington Commanders on Christmas Eve, at the earliest, and he may not play before next summer if the Jets lose four or more of their next six matchups. Regardless of Saleh's comments, Wilson will probably find himself playing for the QB1 job beyond Week 10 at Allegiant Stadium in Vegas.