Zach Wilson’s Time Is Over
September 25, 2023
The Induction of Trevor Siemian
September 28, 2023
Trevor Siemian, an NFL journeyman, embarked on his career in 2015 when the Denver Broncos drafted him in the seventh round. Although his initial season didn’t see much action, he took over as the starting quarterback after Peyton Manning’s retirement. Siemian displayed an impressive skill set over two seasons, completing 59.3% of his passes and achieving a passer rating of 79.9.
After brief stints with the Vikings, Jets, and Titans, Siemian found a home with the New Orleans Saints in 2021, where he had a respectable year. In recent seasons, he has improved at avoiding sacks and has lowered his interception rate, indicating growth in his gameplay.
Zach Wilson: A Quick Recap
Zach Wilson, the former second overall pick, has had a rocky start to his NFL career. His completion percentage trails Siemian’s, and he has struggled with deep and intermediate accuracy. Moreover, Wilson’s high sack rate and turnover count have raised concerns about his ability to effectively lead the Jets.
Despite these challenges, Wilson shines in some areas, particularly short accuracy and running ability. However, his overall performance has left room for improvement, leading to the question: would the Jets be better off with Trevor Siemian at the helm?
Let’s delve into a point-by-point comparison.
Accuracy: A Closer Look
Deep Accuracy
Siemian outperforms Wilson in this area, with an adjusted completion percentage of 38.5% on deep passes. Wilson, with a percentage of 30.8% over the past two seasons, lags behind.
Advantage Siemian.
Intermediate Accuracy
Siemian again takes the lead with a 56.8% adjusted completion percentage on throws traveling 10-19 yards downfield, ahead of Wilson’s 52.2%.
Advantage Siemian.
Short Accuracy
Wilson excels in short passes, with an 81.3% completion percentage on passes thrown 0-9 yards downfield, compared to Siemian’s 77.7%.
Advantage Wilson.
Ball Security: The Key to Victory
Siemian’s record of five turnovers in 229 dropbacks since 2021 (one every 45.8 dropbacks) surpasses Wilson’s 24 turnovers on 821 career dropbacks (one every 34.2 dropbacks). Siemian’s improved interception rate and solid performance in holding onto the ball give him the upper hand.
Advantage Siemian.
Minimizing Sacks: An Essential Skill
Siemian’s career sack rate is a reasonable 6.8%, while Wilson’s rate stands at a high 9.6% since 2021. Siemian’s ability to avoid sacks and maintain a steady pocket presence is a significant advantage.
Advantage Siemian.
Field Vision & Processing: The Game Changer
Siemian’s ability to get through his progressions and locate open opportunities down the field seems superior to Wilson’s. While neither QB is perfect, Siemian’s patience and confidence in the pocket help him make the right decisions more often.
Advantage Siemian.
Running Ability: A Noteworthy Advantage
Wilson takes the crown in this department with 67 rushes for 330 yards and five touchdowns. Siemian, on the other hand, is not known for his running ability.
Advantage Wilson.
The Final Verdict
Considering the categories of deep and intermediate accuracy, ball security, minimizing sacks, and field vision/processing, Trevor Siemian appears to be a more fitting choice for the Jets than Zach Wilson. However, Wilson’s short accuracy and running ability cannot be downplayed.
The Jets’ decision to sign Siemian has potential benefits. Siemian presents a more reliable option and could provide the stability needed to unlock the team’s potential. However, it’s crucial to remember that Siemian is not a miracle worker; he’s a mid-level backup at best. The real issue lies in the Jets’ failure to sign a quality backup earlier in the off-season when more exciting options were available.
In conclusion, Trevor Siemian might not be the most thrilling choice, but he could offer the Jets a solid and steadier performance, which might be just what they need right now.
