Jets' Zach Wilson responds to critical Joe Namath comments

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson responded Thursday to controversial comments Hall of Famer Joe Namath made during a Monday appearance on the ESPN New York "The Michael Kay Show." 

"He’s passionate, he’s obviously one of the greats," Wilson said about Namath while speaking with reporters, per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "As an offense, we have to do everything we can to prove him wrong." 

Namath said Monday he has "seen enough of Zach Wilson" playing for the organization, and the franchise legend also blasted head coach Robert Saleh for sticking with the struggling signal-caller. Saleh told reporters on Wednesday that his door is "always open for" Namath. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett said Thursday that Namath "has every right to his opinion" but it's up to the Jets "to prove him wrong." 

According to ESPN stats, Wilson ended Week 3 ranked last among qualified quarterbacks with a 57.0 passer rating and 52.4% completion percentage for the season. Only Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears had a worse adjusted QBR (21.0) than Wilson (26.7) heading into Thursday evening. 

The 1-2 Jets host the 2-1 Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night. 

"We’re working to get better," Wilson continued. "I’m working to get better. I know I need to improve, I promise I’m doing everything I can to keep trying to get better." 

Hours before Namath went viral Monday afternoon, fellow former Jets quarterback and current "The NFL Today" analyst Boomer Esiason said during his WFAN morning show he'd had "enough" of watching Wilson fail to produce positive results for the club. Current primary backup Tim Boyle has thus far attempted just 106 career regular-season passes, but either he or practice squad quarterback Trevor Siemian could get the nod over Wilson when the Jets play at the Denver Broncos on Oct. 8. 

0-3 Denver will face the 0-3 Bears this Sunday.