Jets quarterback controversy? Mike White sends a message to Zach Wilson – New York Jets Blog

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — With a big smile, New York Jets coach Robert Saleh declared Mike White will start Thursday night against the Indianapolis Colts.

Easiest quarterback decision ever.

The next one will be more complicated, even though it doesn’t have to be.

The unheralded White, on the roster bubble at the start of training camp, delivered a passing performance for the ages Sunday and deserves to stay in the lineup as long as he keeps playing well. The man threw for 405 yards and three touchdowns in their 34-31 win against the Cincinnati Bengals, sparking the offense the way few quarterbacks in their history have done.

Yes, Zach Wilson is the so-called future. Yes, he was the second pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Yes, the Jets guaranteed him $35 million. He’s got a lot of talent, more raw ability than White, but he’s got a lot to learn about playing the position. Right now, White is the better quarterback. Let him play.

“We’ll go day-to-day, but anything is possible, right? Anything is possible,” Saleh said, when asked if White could be their long-term answer.

What you just heard was the sound of a door creaking open — the door of a potential quarterback controversy. Saleh could’ve said, “Mike was awesome, but Zach is our guy” — but he didn’t.

Fortunately for the Jets, they don’t have to make that decision now. Wilson will need another game or two before he’s ready to return from a sprained right knee, so it buys Saleh a little time. Who knows? Maybe White will crash to earth on the road in prime time, although he didn’t exhibit any signs Sunday of a player who can’t handle big moments.

His poise was impressive. He started 11-for-11 and led the Jets to their first first-quarter points of the season, with offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur calling a more aggressive and creative game than he did previously with Wilson. White encountered adversity with interceptions on the…