Wondering if the Zach benching goes back to White being promoted to #2 QB (and Flacco being demoted to #3) before the first Pats game at East Rutherford? Did something happen with Zach before this to bump White to #2? At the time, it appeared to be a curious roster depth move by Saleh during the middle of the season, especially since Flacco had already started the first three games due to Zach's injury. Maybe it became apparent to the coaching staff at that point, well before Zach's press conference faux pas, the kid would have to sit. Saleh has to play front office politics and insist the goal is to get Zach all fixed up and back on the field (good luck with that). From an optics standpoint, Saleh has to say certain things in front of the cameras, but one can clearly see White is the coach's type of player, while Zach is just a coach's nightmare. It may have something to do with the entire offensive unit having an extra spring in their step under White compared to Zach. In addition, the fact Saleh does not have to babysit and run damage control drills after a Mike White presser is a major relief to coach. With regards to jobs being on the line with the Jets whiffing on the overall #2 draft pick, who is to say if either JD or Saleh had any say in the drafting of Zach, since he obviously lacks the fundamental skills and, apparently, the humility they would prefer in a player? If there was a dubious agenda behind the Zach pick (as has been theorized), will ownership give them a pass on it or throw them under the bus? If the Jets continue to trend upwards with Zach modeling his Sunday best civvies, #2 (pick and player) will be expediently chucked down the memory hole by the powers that be; just like the #2 who was drafted #1 by the Raiders 15 years ago.
Earliest we can be eliminated through an unlikely combination of a string of jets losses and other teams winning is after the Seattle game. Till we're officially out of the competition then I don't expect to see Zach back as starter this season barring White and Flacco going down.
