Robert Saleh Says 'No' to Trevor Siemian Idea

Jets' head coach defends Zach Wilson amidst continued struggles

For those hoping to see quarterback Trevor Siemian take meaningful snaps for the New York Jets next week, head coach Robert Saleh has a one-word answer for anyone inquiring.

"No," said Saleh while addressing reporters virtually on Tuesday afternoon. "Not at this time."

The third-year head coach squashed the idea of elevating Siemian from the Practice Squad, at least for the immediate future. Meanwhile, the Jets' offense continues to underperform with quarterback Zach Wilson at the controls. 

The Jets have scored only eight offensive touchdowns through the season's first eight games. Wilson has accounted for one touchdown pass in the past four outings and it was a screen that running back Breece Hall took 50 yards to the house. 

"Everything starts with him, so yeah, he is a tone setter and helping everybody around him get better, but at the same time, I’ve also been very adamant that it is a team sport," said Saleh. "Everyone around him has to help him, too. There’s only so many things that the quarterback has control over."

Wilson has struggled to release the ball in a timely fashion, especially on third down. He has taken at least four sacks in each of the past four games. A combination of poor pass protection and Wilson's indecisiveness led to eight sacks by the Los Angeles Chargers' defense in Week 9.

"I think my job is to get the ball out of my hands as quickly as I can. I promise I’m always trying to do that with those guys up front," said Wilson following Monday night's 27-6 setback. "I’ve got to help those guys out as best as I can, but give the Chargers some credit, too."

Wilson threw 49 times in the loss to LA and averaged only 5.37 yards per attempt while doing so. His 5.99 ypa season average ranks 29th overall on the NFL leader board. 

Despite the lack of production, Jets' WR1 Garrett Wilson is backing his quarterback. 

"He is a baller and for me it’s nothing I need to say to Zach," said Wilson, who has made 46 receptions for 549 yards this season. "He knows there is plays that we all leave on the field, and he’s got my back, I got his."

Saleh Addresses Jets' Current Quarterback Situation

The Jets added Siemian in the aftermath of the Aaron Rodgers injury this past September. He was available after losing the backup competition in Cincinnati Bengals' training camp. Unsuccessfully auditioning to be Joe Burrow's understudy, Siemian went 36-of-65 passing for 316 yards and two interceptions over three preseason games.

The former seventh-round pick, who will turn 32 years old on December 26, has experienced limited success as an NFL starter since being drafted by Denver in 2015. Posting an 8-6 record over 14 starts for the 2016 Broncos, Siemian threw for 3,401 yards, 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. 

In four starts, all losses, for the New Orleans Saints in 2021, Siemian accounted for 11 touchdown passes and three interceptions. By comparison, Wilson has five TD passes and five interceptions through eight games this year. 

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