Former Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick thought the Jets made the right move this offseason when they kept Zach Wilson as Aaron Rodgers’ backup.
But after Sunday’s benching in Buffalo, Fitzpatrick thinks it is time for a change.
“I thought it was the right move when they picked up Aaron to keep Zach because Zach does have so much talent. Aaron’s been extremely healthy throughout his career,” Fitzpatrick said. “To be able to sit back, learn from him and maybe harness some of this talent into becoming a good quarterback.
“For him to be thrown back out there, they’ve done their best to stick by him. Time and time again, they said he was getting better. It’s not just him, it’s everybody. The move they made [Sunday], I think it’s going to be hard to go back to him.”
Robert Saleh and the Jets agree, for now at least, as the head coach announced Monday that Tim Boyle will start Friday against the Dolphins, with Wilson sliding to No. 3.
Fitzpatrick will be in town this week as part of Prime Video’s broadcast crew for the Black Friday game between the Jets and Dolphins.
Fitzpatrick, who was the quarterback during the Jets’ last winning season in 2015, said the Jets have not been able to adapt to life without Rodgers.
“This is a championship-caliber defense,” Fitzpatrick said. “Unfortunately, just like last year, we’re sitting here talking about the failures and struggles of the offense. They did their best in acquiring Aaron and they thought that would take them over the top but weren’t able to adjust after he was injured.”
While Fitzpatrick got to enjoy the good feelings of success in New York in 2015, he experienced what it is like to lose in 2016.
Things could get ugly with the fans at MetLife Stadium on Friday if the offense sputters again.
Fitzpatrick said players do their best to shut out the outside noise but that gets difficult.
“It’s hard to ignore it when you’re out there on your first series and you’re three and out and the boos are already pouring in,” Fitzpatrick said. “You kind of feel that pressure but the only way to quiet it down is to play well. That’s really it. It’s a tough market to play in when things aren’t going well.
“When things are going well, it’s a great market to play in. It’s a lot of fun. They demand good football there and if they don’t get it, they’re going to let you know about it.”
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