The New York Jets continue to face challenges on the offensive front as they navigate a season without star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who suffered an Achilles tear just four plays into the season. Head coach Robert Saleh is grappling with the team's offensive ineptitude and has been defending his decision to stick with rookie quarterback Zach Wilson, despite mounting concerns.

Saleh acknowledged the difficulties of tailoring the offense around a quarterback other than Rodgers, stating that building a system for one person and then making changes due to injuries has posed significant challenges for the team. However, the statistics paint a grim picture for the Jets' offense.

Currently, the Jets rank fourth-worst in the league in offensive yards per game (283.1) and third-worst in scoring offense, averaging just 16 points per game. Their struggles extend to crucial situations, with the team converting third downs at a league-worst rate of 25% and finding the end zone in goal-to-go scenarios only 44.44% of the time. Remarkably, the Jets have failed to score a touchdown on any of their last 36 possessions.

Despite these struggles, Saleh has expressed confidence in Wilson's abilities. Following the Jets' recent loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, where Wilson threw an interception that sealed the defeat, Saleh defended the rookie quarterback, stating that he had done a decent job overall. Wilson completed 58.9% of his passes for 263 yards and rushed for 54 yards, but the lack of touchdowns and penalties hampered the team's progress.

Saleh emphasized that the offensive issues extended beyond Wilson, pointing to penalties as a significant factor inhibiting the team's success. The Jets incurred eight penalties in the latest game, with the offense being responsible for seven of them. Saleh called for improvements from the entire team, emphasizing the need to reduce self-inflicted errors.

As the Jets head into critical games against division rivals, Saleh faces the difficult decision of whether Wilson remains the best option at quarterback. The team currently boasts a strong defense, ranking sixth in yards allowed and seventh in points allowed. However, their 4-5 record leaves them two games behind the division-leading Miami Dolphins.

Wilson's performance has drawn scrutiny, as he ranks near the bottom among eligible quarterbacks in passer rating, completion rate, and touchdown rate. Fans and analysts have questioned whether it is time for a change under center, especially with backup options like Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian available.

Saleh defended his decision to stick with Wilson for now, citing the need for continuity and time to allow the young quarterback to develop. While acknowledging the peaks and valleys in Wilson's performance, Saleh expressed overall satisfaction with his progress, stating that he has improved significantly since his rookie season.

With the Jets' offense struggling and division hopes hanging in the balance, Saleh faces mounting pressure to find solutions. While some fans call for a quarterback change, Saleh believes that making one player the fall guy will not necessarily improve the team as a whole. As critical games loom, the fate of the Jets' season rests on their ability to address their offensive woes and rally behind their young quarterback.