Jets QB Mike White had prepared as if he were the starter
FILE - New York Jets quarterback Mike White (5) practices before a preseason NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. Zach Wilson has been benched by the New York Jets and will be replaced by Mike White as the starter Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Coach Robert Saleh announced the decision Wednesday, Nov. 23, after evaluating and discussing the situation with his assistants. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File) Credit: Adam Hunger
Mike White was the Jets’ No. 3 quarterback a month ago. While it crossed his mind that he might not get a chance to play this season, he never stopped preparing as if his time would come.
White was promoted to QB2 three games ago, and on Sunday, he will get his chance to lead the Jets’ offense against the Bears. Robert Saleh made the switch from the struggling Zach Wilson to White on Wednesday.
“I didn’t know when or how or why, but whether it was this year, two years down the road, it’s going to happen,” White said. “I’ve learned from countless older guys, the moment you’re not ready is when it passes you by and you’re out.
“You go through those mental battles and you’ve got to pick yourself back up and focus. So I wouldn’t say I was perfect on it, but for the most part, you got to stay ready because when your moment does come and if you let it pass by, you’re going to look back on it and be frustrated with it.”
White, who threw for 405 yards in his first NFL start last year, said his process doesn’t change now. He operated the last few weeks as if he were the starter.
“You have to prepare like the starter because the moment you don’t is the moment you get thrust in there, and things can’t go your way if you’re not prepared,” he said. “So truthfully, keeping the same process, focusing on the Bears and helping this offense move the ball, score points and win games.”
Boyer takes blame
Jets special teams coordinator Brant Boyer took full responsibility for Marcus Jones’ game-winning 84-yard punt-return touchdown with five seconds remaining in last Sunday’s loss in New England.
“I feel terrible about how it happened,” Boyer said. “These guys have played their butts off all year. For that to happen specifically at that time is inexcusable and it’s 100% on me.”
Boyer knew “right away” that his group lost contain on the return. He wouldn’t give his opinion on whether Justin Hardee was blocked in the back during the return.
“I’m not going to get into specifics about that because I’ll get fined,” Boyer said. “They didn’t call it, so it’s not a penalty.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
