Jets QB Wilson out until at least Week 4, Flacco to start
DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football Writer
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Joe Flacco will huddle up for the New York Jets against his former team. And likely a few more opponents after that.
Coach Robert Saleh announced Wednesday that Flacco will start at quarterback in the season opener Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens in place of the injured Zach Wilson — who likely will be out until Week 4 at Pittsburgh.
“Yeah, it’s frustrating, of course,” Wilson said. “You want to be healthy as much as possible.”
Flacco starting this week is not unexpected, as it appeared to be trending that way for a few weeks. But the announcement that the Oct. 2 game against the Steelers is likely “the earliest” Wilson will return from a knee injury was a surprise.
“Now, can it change? Sure, I’m always going to leave that door open,” Saleh said. “You guys know me, I’m the eternal optimist. But we are going to make sure both mind and body are 110% and make sure we do right by him.
“And we feel like, talking to the doctors and everyone, it’s going to be that Pittsburgh week.”
Wilson worked out on the field Monday and Tuesday while testing out his right knee, which was injured in the preseason opener at Philadelphia on Aug. 12. Saleh said Monday “it’s possible” Wilson could play against Baltimore but that the quarterback would be evaluated in the next few days. Saleh said the second-year QB had no setbacks while working out, but the Jets don’t want to rush him back to the field.
“He looks fantastic, he still looks good, he feels good,” Saleh said. “He’s not walking with a limp or anything.”
Despite Wilson missing at least the first three games, the Jets did not consider putting him injured reserve — which would sideline him for a minimum of four games — so that he can continue to practice with the team. Wilson will work with the training staff this week, Saleh said, and then slowly resume practice during the next few weeks. Wilson said he’s able to throw and drop back.
“For what the injury was,” he said, “I’m very optimistic to be able to get back and still play football the way I want to this year.”
Wilson said he won’t change the way he plays despite the injury.
“People can say, ‘He should’ve gone out of bounds, should’ve slid,’” Wilson said. “It was a non-contact injury. The guy didn’t tackle me. If the guy hit me and I got injured, that’s one thing. If I can’t run and cut without getting hurt, then what am I doing? I’ve got to take care of myself and put myself in a better situation there.”
Saleh also left no doubt that the starting job remains Wilson’s whenever he is fully ready to play.
“When Zach’s healthy, he’s rolling,” Saleh said.
Wilson suffered a bone bruise and torn meniscus, which was repaired via arthroscopic surgery in Los Angeles on Aug. 16. It’s the same knee in which he sprained a ligament last year and sidelined him for four games. He was initially expected to miss two to four weeks with the current injury, a timetable that turned out to be a bit overambitious.
Taking the cautious approach in Week 1, New York will turn to Flacco — who will take on his former team. And with the confidence of the Jets.
“Heck yeah, man, Cool Joe,” Saleh said. “He’s been preparing. He’s freakin’ awesome. I’m really excited for him for this opportunity.”
The 37-year-old quarterback spent his first 11 NFL seasons in Baltimore, helping lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory to cap the 2012 season. He was the MVP of that game and signed a six-year, $120.6 million contract a month later, becoming the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history at that time.
A hip injury midway through the 2018 season put Flacco on the sideline — and Lamar Jackson into the starting lineup. The following offseason, Flacco was traded to Denver, where he spent one season before signing with the Jets for his first stint in New York. Meanwhile, Jackson went on in 2019 to become the second player to win the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award unanimously.
This will mark Flacco’s first start against the Ravens, and he’ll take on the QB who replaced him.
“Obviously, there’s going to be some different emotions that I haven’t experienced before this one,” Flacco said. “I think at the end of the day, it is like every other game. Once kind of the dust settles and the game gets going, it’s a football game.”
Flacco is looking for his first win as a starter with the Jets, going 0-5 while filling in for Wilson in one game last season and four in place of Sam Darnold in 2020.
“Even at 37, I know that it’s in the back of his head, he’s getting a chance to play Baltimore and all these different things,” Saleh said. “Even at 37, he’s got to keep the main thing the main thing and just do his best, and trust his best is good enough.
“I think we’re all excited for Joe and his opportunity, and excited for Sunday.”
Jets QB Wilson out until at least Week 4, Flacco to start
Ron Schwane
In the 20 seasons since realignment, every team except Detroit and Cleveland has won at least one division title. Last season, four divisions were topped by new winners: AFC North (Cincinnati), NFC East (Dallas), NFC South (Tampa Bay) and NFC West (Rams).
New England won a league-high 16 division titles in the last 20 seasons, and made it to the playoffs 17 times. Green Bay is second with 12 titles and 15 playoff appearances.
The Chargers won five titles and got to the playoffs seven times, and the Rams won four and reached the playoffs six times.
In 17 of the last 19 seasons, at least one team has done a worst-to-first reversal, going from last place in one year to first place the next. It was the Cincinnati Bengals who accomplished that last season, and they made it all the way to the Super Bowl.
Ron Schwane
In the 20 seasons since realignment, every team except Detroit and Cleveland has won at least one division title. Last season, four divisions were topped by new winners: AFC North (Cincinnati), NFC East (Dallas), NFC South (Tampa Bay) and NFC West (Rams).
New England won a league-high 16 division titles in the last 20 seasons, and made it to the playoffs 17 times. Green Bay is second with 12 titles and 15 playoff appearances.
The Chargers won five titles and got to the playoffs seven times, and the Rams won four and reached the playoffs six times.
In 17 of the last 19 seasons, at least one team has done a worst-to-first reversal, going from last place in one year to first place the next. It was the Cincinnati Bengals who accomplished that last season, and they made it all the way to the Super Bowl.
Jets QB Wilson out until at least Week 4, Flacco to start
Jack Dempsey
The best season-opening performance by a quarterback in the last decade? Peyton Manning's 2013 debut with Denver, by far. He threw for 462 yards and seven touchdowns against Baltimore.
Jack Dempsey
The best season-opening performance by a quarterback in the last decade? Peyton Manning's 2013 debut with Denver, by far. He threw for 462 yards and seven touchdowns against Baltimore.
Jets QB Wilson out until at least Week 4, Flacco to start
Ashley Landis
The Rams' Sean McVay has never lost a season opener, going 5-0. But it doesn't end there. The Rams are among eight teams over the last decade with a winning percentage of at least .618 during the first month of the season. Those teams are New England (.714), Kansas City (.706), Green Bay (.671), Denver (.636), Baltimore (.629), Dallas (.618), the Rams (.618) and Seattle (.618).
Ashley Landis
The Rams' Sean McVay has never lost a season opener, going 5-0. But it doesn't end there. The Rams are among eight teams over the last decade with a winning percentage of at least .618 during the first month of the season. Those teams are New England (.714), Kansas City (.706), Green Bay (.671), Denver (.636), Baltimore (.629), Dallas (.618), the Rams (.618) and Seattle (.618).
Jets QB Wilson out until at least Week 4, Flacco to start
Rick Scuteri
Last season, the Raiders became the second team to win four overtime games in a single season. Las Vegas has kicker Daniel Carlson to thank. He converted all five of his overtime field-goal attempts — the most made field goals in overtime in any single season.
Rick Scuteri
Last season, the Raiders became the second team to win four overtime games in a single season. Las Vegas has kicker Daniel Carlson to thank. He converted all five of his overtime field-goal attempts — the most made field goals in overtime in any single season.
Jets QB Wilson out until at least Week 4, Flacco to start
Ed Zurga
After watching that 42-36 playoff thriller between Kansas City and Buffalo last season, in which the Chiefs scored a touchdown on the opening possession of the extra period and the Bills were denied a chance to touch the ball, the league felt it had to take action to make the system more fair.
In March, team owners voted to amend the overtime rules in the postseason to ensure both teams would have an opportunity to possess the ball in the extra period.
Since the last change to overtime, in 2010, 12 playoff games have been decided in an extra period. Of those 12, 10 were won by the team that won the overtime coin flip — and seven of those wins were decided on the opening possession.
"When you see that, that's the type of thing that I think our coaches and everyone looked at," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. "This is an issue in the postseason we should deal with."
Under the previous system — which still will be in effect for the regular season — the team that gets the ball first can secure a victory by scoring a touchdown, as opposed to kicking a field goal. Now, in postseason games, after each team has a possession and providing the score remains tied, sudden death will decide the outcome.
Ed Zurga
After watching that 42-36 playoff thriller between Kansas City and Buffalo last season, in which the Chiefs scored a touchdown on the opening possession of the extra period and the Bills were denied a chance to touch the ball, the league felt it had to take action to make the system more fair.
In March, team owners voted to amend the overtime rules in the postseason to ensure both teams would have an opportunity to possess the ball in the extra period.
Since the last change to overtime, in 2010, 12 playoff games have been decided in an extra period. Of those 12, 10 were won by the team that won the overtime coin flip — and seven of those wins were decided on the opening possession.
"When you see that, that's the type of thing that I think our coaches and everyone looked at," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. "This is an issue in the postseason we should deal with."
Under the previous system — which still will be in effect for the regular season — the team that gets the ball first can secure a victory by scoring a touchdown, as opposed to kicking a field goal. Now, in postseason games, after each team has a possession and providing the score remains tied, sudden death will decide the outcome.
Jets QB Wilson out until at least Week 4, Flacco to start
Wilfredo Lee
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Miami Dolphins' "perfect" 17-0 season. To reach the Super Bowl that year, the Dolphins had to beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh in the AFC championship game.
Seeing as the Dolphins were 15-0 heading into that game, why were they on the road?
Because in those days, the NFL alternated championship sites by divisions, and it was the AFC Central's turn.
Wilfredo Lee
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Miami Dolphins' "perfect" 17-0 season. To reach the Super Bowl that year, the Dolphins had to beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh in the AFC championship game.
Seeing as the Dolphins were 15-0 heading into that game, why were they on the road?
Because in those days, the NFL alternated championship sites by divisions, and it was the AFC Central's turn.
Jets QB Wilson out until at least Week 4, Flacco to start
John Locher
— Raiders receiver Davante Adams, formerly Rodgers' favorite target in Green Bay, needs 115 catches to become the first player to reach that mark in three consecutive seasons. Should Adams reel in at least 10 touchdown catches, he would be the fourth receiver with at least 10 touchdown receptions in at least six of his first nine seasons. The other three are in the Hall of Fame: Jerry Rice, Marvin Harrison and Randy Moss.
— If Buffalo's Josh Allen runs for five or more touchdowns this season, he would join Cam Newton, who currently is the only quarterback with at least five rushing touchdowns in five consecutive seasons.
— The Chargers' Keenan Allen is a 100-catch season away from joining Antonio Brown and Harrison as the only players with 100 receptions four seasons in a row.
— New England's Bill Belichick, who ranks third all-time with 321 total (regular season and postseason) victories, needs four more to pass George Halas on that list. Belichick needs 10 wins to join Halas (318) and Miami's Don Shula (328) as the only coaches with at least 300 regular-season victories.
— Should Brady throw for 5,000 yards, he would join Drew Brees as the only players in NFL history to record consecutive 5,000-yard seasons.
— If he throws for at least 4,338 yards, Cincinnati's Joe Burrow would surpass Jameis Winston (11,636) for third-most yards passing in his first three seasons. The leaders on that list both played in Indianapolis: Manning (12,287) and Andrew Luck (12,957).
— The Bengals Ja'Marr Chase needs 1,562 yards receiving to pass Minnesota's Justin Jefferson (3,016) for the most yards by a receiver in his first two seasons.
— Herbert needs 30 touchdown passes to surpass Dan Marino (98) for the most by a player through his first three seasons.
— Should he make at least eight interceptions, Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson would become the first player with at least eight picks in three consecutive seasons.
— Chargers running back Austin Ekeler needs just one touchdown reception to top James White (24) for the most touchdown catches by a running back in his first six seasons since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.
— If Donald were to collect at least 12 sacks, he would be the fourth player since 1982 — when sacks became an official stat — with 110 sacks in his first nine seasons. The others are Jared Allen and DeMarcus Ware, each with 117, and Reggie White (137).
— The Rams' Cooper Kupp has the chance to become the fourth player since 1970 to lead or tie the league in touchdown receptions in back-to-back seasons. The receivers who accomplished that are Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens and Larry Fitzgerald.
— Green Bay's Rodgers can become the first player to win three consecutive most valuable player awards and can tie Manning (five) for the most all time. Also, Rodgers can become the first player with at least 40 touchdown passes in four different seasons.
— The Rams' Matthew Stafford needs 4,000 yards passing to become the seventh player with 10 such seasons. He would join Manning, Brady, Brees, Rivers, Rodgers and Matt Ryan.
John Locher
— Raiders receiver Davante Adams, formerly Rodgers' favorite target in Green Bay, needs 115 catches to become the first player to reach that mark in three consecutive seasons. Should Adams reel in at least 10 touchdown catches, he would be the fourth receiver with at least 10 touchdown receptions in at least six of his first nine seasons. The other three are in the Hall of Fame: Jerry Rice, Marvin Harrison and Randy Moss.
— If Buffalo's Josh Allen runs for five or more touchdowns this season, he would join Cam Newton, who currently is the only quarterback with at least five rushing touchdowns in five consecutive seasons.
— The Chargers' Keenan Allen is a 100-catch season away from joining Antonio Brown and Harrison as the only players with 100 receptions four seasons in a row.
— New England's Bill Belichick, who ranks third all-time with 321 total (regular season and postseason) victories, needs four more to pass George Halas on that list. Belichick needs 10 wins to join Halas (318) and Miami's Don Shula (328) as the only coaches with at least 300 regular-season victories.
— Should Brady throw for 5,000 yards, he would join Drew Brees as the only players in NFL history to record consecutive 5,000-yard seasons.
— If he throws for at least 4,338 yards, Cincinnati's Joe Burrow would surpass Jameis Winston (11,636) for third-most yards passing in his first three seasons. The leaders on that list both played in Indianapolis: Manning (12,287) and Andrew Luck (12,957).
— The Bengals Ja'Marr Chase needs 1,562 yards receiving to pass Minnesota's Justin Jefferson (3,016) for the most yards by a receiver in his first two seasons.
— Herbert needs 30 touchdown passes to surpass Dan Marino (98) for the most by a player through his first three seasons.
— Should he make at least eight interceptions, Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson would become the first player with at least eight picks in three consecutive seasons.
— Chargers running back Austin Ekeler needs just one touchdown reception to top James White (24) for the most touchdown catches by a running back in his first six seasons since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.
— If Donald were to collect at least 12 sacks, he would be the fourth player since 1982 — when sacks became an official stat — with 110 sacks in his first nine seasons. The others are Jared Allen and DeMarcus Ware, each with 117, and Reggie White (137).
— The Rams' Cooper Kupp has the chance to become the fourth player since 1970 to lead or tie the league in touchdown receptions in back-to-back seasons. The receivers who accomplished that are Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens and Larry Fitzgerald.
— Green Bay's Rodgers can become the first player to win three consecutive most valuable player awards and can tie Manning (five) for the most all time. Also, Rodgers can become the first player with at least 40 touchdown passes in four different seasons.
— The Rams' Matthew Stafford needs 4,000 yards passing to become the seventh player with 10 such seasons. He would join Manning, Brady, Brees, Rivers, Rodgers and Matt Ryan.
Jets QB Wilson out until at least Week 4, Flacco to start
Darryl Webb
The NFL might be a passing league, but being able to run the ball still counts for something. Last season, teams with a 100-yard rusher were 73-28-2, a winning percentage of .718. The rushing crown went to the Colts' Jonathan Taylor, who had a league-high 10 100-yard games and finished with 1,811 yards. Indianapolis was 9-1 when he hit triple digits in rushing yards.
Darryl Webb
The NFL might be a passing league, but being able to run the ball still counts for something. Last season, teams with a 100-yard rusher were 73-28-2, a winning percentage of .718. The rushing crown went to the Colts' Jonathan Taylor, who had a league-high 10 100-yard games and finished with 1,811 yards. Indianapolis was 9-1 when he hit triple digits in rushing yards.
Jets QB Wilson out until at least Week 4, Flacco to start
Ashley Landis
The Chargers attempted an NFL-high 11 two-point conversions last season, making good on seven. They became the fourth team in league history to convert at least seven tries, joining the 2020 Minnesota Vikings (eight), 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers (eight) and 2020 Philadelphia Eagles (seven). Most effective in that department last season were the Detroit Lions, who converted five of six attempts.
Ashley Landis
The Chargers attempted an NFL-high 11 two-point conversions last season, making good on seven. They became the fourth team in league history to convert at least seven tries, joining the 2020 Minnesota Vikings (eight), 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers (eight) and 2020 Philadelphia Eagles (seven). Most effective in that department last season were the Detroit Lions, who converted five of six attempts.
Jets QB Wilson out until at least Week 4, Flacco to start
David Zalubowski
The most surprising and secretive move of the 2022 offseason was the Denver Broncos making a blockbuster deal with Seattle for quarterback Russell Wilson. But there were plenty of other major deals. Here are five of them:
— Chargers trade for Khalil Mack: Chicago traded the star edge rusher to the Chargers in exchange for draft picks. The move reunited Mack and Chargers coach Brandon Staley, his onetime linebackers coach with the Bears.
— Raiders sign Chandler Jones: Since 2012, Jones has collected an NFL-high 107 1/2 sacks. Las Vegas signed him on the first day of the new league year to a three-year deal worth $51 million.
— Raiders trade for Davante Adams: Las Vegas sent Green Bay picks in the first and second rounds for the star Packers receiver. Adams is on a Hall of Fame trajectory.
— Rams sign Bobby Wagner: Looking to further fortify the middle of their defense, the Rams signed the All-Pro linebacker to a five-year deal worth $50 million. Now, he'll face his former Seattle Seahawks twice a season.
— Commanders trade for Carson Wentz: New team name and a fresh start at quarterback for Washington, which acquired the former No. 2 overall selections by sending a few draft picks to Indianapolis — two thirds and a seventh.
David Zalubowski
The most surprising and secretive move of the 2022 offseason was the Denver Broncos making a blockbuster deal with Seattle for quarterback Russell Wilson. But there were plenty of other major deals. Here are five of them:
— Chargers trade for Khalil Mack: Chicago traded the star edge rusher to the Chargers in exchange for draft picks. The move reunited Mack and Chargers coach Brandon Staley, his onetime linebackers coach with the Bears.
— Raiders sign Chandler Jones: Since 2012, Jones has collected an NFL-high 107 1/2 sacks. Las Vegas signed him on the first day of the new league year to a three-year deal worth $51 million.
— Raiders trade for Davante Adams: Las Vegas sent Green Bay picks in the first and second rounds for the star Packers receiver. Adams is on a Hall of Fame trajectory.
— Rams sign Bobby Wagner: Looking to further fortify the middle of their defense, the Rams signed the All-Pro linebacker to a five-year deal worth $50 million. Now, he'll face his former Seattle Seahawks twice a season.
— Commanders trade for Carson Wentz: New team name and a fresh start at quarterback for Washington, which acquired the former No. 2 overall selections by sending a few draft picks to Indianapolis — two thirds and a seventh.
Jets QB Wilson out until at least Week 4, Flacco to start
John Munson
New York Jets quarterback Joe Flacco (19) passes in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
John Munson
New York Jets quarterback Joe Flacco (19) passes in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
