Joe Namath blasts Zach Wilson as Jets reaffirm faith in QB
Joe Namath understands what it is like to win with the New York Jets.
The Hall of Fame quarterback believes that there are better solutions than current quarterback Zach Wilson for the organization with which he spent more than a decade.
“I’ve seen enough of Zach Wilson, all right,” Namath remarked Monday on ESPN New York’s “The Michael Kay Show” following the Jets’ 15-10 home loss to the New England Patriots. “I’ve had enough. Has fast feet and can throw a little, but I’m not sure what’s going on up there.”
Namath, who led the Jets to their sole Super Bowl triumph in 1968, said he is jaded by head coach Robert Saleh’s ongoing faith in the third-year quarterback. After four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers was gone for the season in Week 1 due to a ruptured Achilles, Saleh voiced belief in Wilson many times.
Wilson, according to the Super Bowl 3 MVP, should spend time as a backup studying the game and is not deserving of becoming the No. 2 overall choice in the 2021 NFL draft, especially after a sack against the Patriots in which he fell without being hit.
“I’m saying that I don’t believe in him,” Namath explained. “I don’t believe he has a future as a good player, and I believe they made a mistake in drafting him.” That’s how I feel. He has some physical talent, but you have to have something going on up here when you’re studying, reading, or playing down there.”
Nathaniel Hackett, the offensive coordinator, was also singled out by Namath. Before the season began, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton chastised the assistant coach for his one-season performance in the same capacity.
“How long did it take to learn the offense?” How long ago did that happen? Come on. Aaron has now been injured. OK. So, what do you have backups for? They’re all set.” Namath said. “They’re expected to be prepared. We’re looking at an offensive that does not perform effectively. You have an offensive coordinator who does not appear to be calling the correct plays. I think they need to make huge adjustments from top to bottom for this fan.”
He stated that firing Saleh would be a “top to bottom” priority. Despite starting 1-2 and scoring only 10 points in each defeat, the third-year head coach has stressed the strength of the team culture.
“How can a coach say, ‘The locker room’s together?'” Namath went on. “How many teams have we been a part of?” You mean there aren’t any kitties on the defense saying, ‘Whoa, guy. ‘What’s the matter with you?’ There isn’t complete harmony in the locker room, and if there is, it needs to be removed. You have to have individuals in there that are competitive and want to win.”
Namath claimed he hadn’t seen Wilson, 24, whom Saleh stated last year he’d develop “through hell or high water,” but he’s drawn his judgments regardless.
“I only know what I see out there,” Namath admitted. “It’s difficult to tell what’s going on between a guy’s ears, and the mind does play a significant role on your team, in your team, and every individual on your team.” Whatever position they play, they have a responsibility, they have plans to execute, and they must do so on a consistent basis, and he is far from that.”
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