NFL
Why New York Jets QB Mike White will start vs Bills on Sunday
Jets QB Mike White, who became the first Jets QB to reach 400-yards since Vinny Testaverde in 2000, makes his third start against the Bills on Sunday.
Mike White will make his third consecutive start in Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills. While first-round pick Zach Wilson remains out with a PCL sprain, it’ll be White under center in New Jersey.
Rookie quarterback Wilson suffered an injury to his knee back in a week 7 game against the New England Patriots, while White started in Indianapolis after leading a 34-31 win and rushing for three TDs over the Cincinnati Bengals in week 8.
The following week, 26-year-old White sustained a nerve contusion to his right forearm in the Jets’ loss to the Colts. Head coach Robert Saleh reassured Wednesday that White is good to start vs the Bills in Week 10, “We had a feeling on Monday with Zach's knee that he's not fully ready to go and Mike obviously got all his strength back. He feels good, no residual effects from Thursday so we're going with Mike."
Jets have exploded on offense under White
White has shown nothing but strong performance since he’s taken over as starting QB; he has a 72.7% completion percentage for 702 yards with 5 TDs and 4 INTs in just three appearances. In a remarkable effort against the Bengals, White became the first Jets quarterback to enter the 400-yard doorway since Vinny Testaverde in 2000, and became the first QB with 300+ passing yards in his first NFL start.
The "Mike White" chants carry on
Head coach Robert Saleh praised White’s patience and effort, "his ability to stay calm, cool and collected within the moment and take one play at a time is pretty cool for a young guy getting his first and second start," said Saleh.
White will continue to lead the Jets offense that has exploded under him, with hopes to face the Bills (5-3) who are leading in total defense (262.6 Yds/G). With a flaunting reputation of a player who works through an opportunity, White has proved that he has earned his shot, and coach Saleh is the first to say so:
“When someone gets an opportunity, whether or not you take advantage of it is on your shoulders, so kudos to Mike and what he's been able to do over the past couple of weeks. Now it's just a matter of creating consistency.
"You've shown you belong, now can you take that next step?"
With that coach-athlete confidence, the 2-6 Jets can expect the “Mike White” chant streak to continue going into week 10.