CNN
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Quarterback Zach Wilson endured a torrid night before finally being benched as the New York Jets were beaten 19-3 by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday.
Wilson was booed at various points in the game before being replaced by Chris Streveler in the third quarter after completing just nine of 18 passes for 92 yards.
“I don’t blame them,” Wilson told reporters when asked about the fan boos. We have a passionate fan base, and they’re there to watch us score touchdowns.
“We’re not scoring touchdowns, we’re not getting first downs, we’re not moving the ball and obviously we can’t throw the ball. Of course they’re going to be frustrated.
As rain fell on a rainy night at MetLife Stadium, Wilson looked in a bad mood as the Jets slumped to a fourth straight loss – another blow to the franchise’s playoff hopes.
The second pick in the 2021 draft, Wilson struggled for form during his two seasons with the Jets.
“I just felt like I had no rhythm there,” Wilson added. “I was just trying to find some confidence on the pitch, just to find something to take us forward – a little spark. I couldn’t get anything there.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh decided to replace Wilson with Streveler, who had been lifted from the practice squad for Thursday’s game.
Streveler provided some hopeful moments on his season debut, completing 10 of 15 passes for 90 yards.
“Obviously I know Zach was struggling, but Streveler came in, played a few plays, got the offense going, got the explosive play, and so it just snowballed in a good way, so we wanted give him the opportunity to complete the drive,” Saleh told reporters.
“We haven’t seen the last of [Wilson]. But right now he just needs to focus on finding ways to improve, and we need to find ways to help him.
“It’s not just him, it’s collective, and we all have to find ways to improve.”
As the Jets lick their wounds, the Jaguars can celebrate their third straight win as they continue their late-season push.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the first overall pick in last year’s draft, completed 20 of 31 passes for 229 yards and pounced for the game’s only touchdown.
