Mike White May Have Ignited A QB Controversy In New York

The Jets wouldn't dare continue to ride the Mike White train, would they? Risk stalling the development of rookie quarterback Zach Wilson to win games this season?

Well, that's what head coach Robert Saleh is prepared to do. White, 26, led the Jets to a 34-31 upset win against the Bengals on Sunday. New York got its second win of the season, with White playing well. Making his first career start in place of the injured Wilson, White completed 37-of-45 passes for 405 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

White has earned the starting gig moving forward, at least against the Colts on Thursday night.

"Mike White is fantastic," Saleh said after the game. "He's poised, he's showed it all throughout camp, all throughout OTAs, that he deserves to be one of those guys and obviously he showed it today."

White's career day led the Jets faithful at MetLife Stadium to begin chanting his name. It was something the 2018 fifth round pick could've never imagined.

"At first I had to listen again like, 'Are they chanting my name?'" White said.

His teammates won't allow anybody to act surprised that he pulled off the victory. White's performance earned even more respect from his teammates, who were singing his praises after the game.

"It's Mike f'ing White," running back Ty Johnson said. "He's a savage, he's a dog, he's an animal. I said it on Monday, I'll say it again. I'm gonna keep saying it."

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Nick Geddes is a 2021 graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. A life-long sports enthusiast, Nick shares a passion for sports writing and is proud to represent OutKick.