On a recent episode of “First Take," former NFL player and sports commentator Shannon Sharpe didn"t mince words when discussing the New York Jets" disappointing 30-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Sharpe directed his criticism toward Jets" quarterback Zach Wilson, humorously suggesting that Wilson
"I said it last week, you’re not going to win with him," Sharpe said when asked by host Molly Qerim if the loss proved the Jets need another quarterback.
"I mean, the dude couldn’t play dead in a horror movie. How many scenes do you need to see?
"I’ve seen all of the ‘Friday the 13th’ [movies]. I’ve see all of the "A Nightmare on Elm Street" [movies] and he can’t play dead."
"I mean the dude couldn't play dead in a horror movie."
"He's like a blind dog in a meat house."
– Shannon Sharpe on Zach Wilson
Ouch. pic.twitter.com/u5wVWX3XMu
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 18, 2023
Sharpe"s remarks show that he"s not entirely convinced that Wilson can guide the team to a win. He believes that the Jets may need to consider looking for another quarterback. With a touch of humor, Sharpe expressed his doubts about Wilson"s performance, comparing it to a character in a horror movie who struggles to stay alive.
His remarks drew laughter from the “First Take" hosts, including Stephen A. Smith and ESPN NFL analyst Ryan Clark.
Smith commended Sharpe for his clever analogy. Sharpe went on to emphasize that the Jets are facing a challenging situation with Wilson as their quarterback. He had doubts about the team"s choice to pick Wilson and bring in Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP, to guide and teach them.
Sharpe argued that if the Jets truly believed in Wilson"s potential, they wouldn"t have invested so heavily in Rodgers.
The situation became even more concerning for the Jets when Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles tendon just four plays into the team"s home opener against the Buffalo Bills on September 11.
Wilson, who had only started four plays into the season, had to take over. While Wilson displayed promise in a thrilling overtime victory against the Bills, he struggled during the recent loss to the Cowboys, throwing one touchdown and three interceptions.
Sharpe highlighted Wilson"s difficulties, particularly when passing under pressure.
The Jets had hoped that Rodgers" mentorship would help develop Wilson"s skills, but Sharpe"s comments indicate a growing doubt about Wilson"s ability to lead the team effectively. As the Jets prepare to face the New England Patriots in Week 3, the debate about Zach Wilson"s capabilities continues.
