In Thursday night’s 19-3 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the New York Jets benched Zach Wilson in favor of undrafted backup and former CFL quarterback Chris Streveler.
Streveler, who was elevated from the Jets’ practice squad ahead of the game, started the fourth quarter and immediately made a more significant impact than Wilson had through the first three quarters, orchestrating the Jets’ longest drive of the night, a 16-play, 73-yard series, which ended with a turnover on downs.
On the Jets’ next offensive possession, Streveler had the Jets moving again, but the drive ended with a wacky Garrett Wilson fumble near mid-field.
Streveler finished 10-of-15 for 90 yards, adding 54 rushing yards off nine carries. Meanwhile, Wilson’s ended his night going 9-of-18 for 92 yards and a pick.
`The Jets’ benching of Wilson for a second time this season will no doubt be a topic of discussion throughout the week. After being thrust back into the starting lineup due to a rib injury suffered by Mike White, Wilson didn’t take advantage of his second opportunity. Wilson had a miserable first half, which ended with an interception and boos from the Jets’ faithful. Following back-to-back three-and-outs to start the second half, New York pulled Wilson in favor of Streveler.
After going undrafted out of South Dakota in 2018, Streveler joined the CFL, where he led the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to a Grey Cup victory in 2019. Following the season, Streveler returned to the NFL, signing a reserve/future contract with the Arizona Cardinals.
Streveler went a combined 17-of-25 for 141 yards, with a touchdown and an interception over two seasons with the Cardinals. He was waived by the Cardinals midway through 2021 and had stints with the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins before ending up in New York.
