It’s Mike White time with the Chicago Bears in town
EAST RUTHERFORD—Perhaps the best thing to come out of the Zach Wilson benching is this: The New York Jets are an organization that will not remain stubborn. There’s a general manager, a head coach, and perhaps an owner that will not continue with a kid quarterback when the team has a shot to compete now.
It’s tough to bench a No. 2 overall pick, but it had to be done, and the fact that the Jets did exactly that shines an impressive light on the future.
So, Zach Wilson is out, whereas Mike White is in.
This is the very same Mike White who stunned the NFL world on Halloween 2021 when he led the Jets to an upset victory over the eventual AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals. This is the same Mike White who was a turnover machine against the AFC East rival Buffalo Bills. This is the same Mike White the Dallas Cowboys drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL draft—a long cry from Wilson’s No. 2 overall status.
Nonetheless, there’s something about Mike “Effing” White. While White’s longer release and slower pocket movement leave a lot to be desired, the kid showcases several tougher-to-spot quarterback traits, such as mental toughness, pocket awareness and anticipation.
If Joe Douglas had the magical ability to combine his three quarterbacks, he’d select Zach Wilson’s physical traits, Joe Flacco’s experience and clutch factor, and Mike White’s quarterback mind.
| Place | Logo | Team | Wins | Losses | Ties | Pct. | Division | PF | PA | Home | Away | Srk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Buffalo Bills | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 4-2 | 455 | 286 | 7-1 | 6-2 | W7 |
| 2 |  | Miami Dolphins | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 3-3 | 397 | 399 | 6-2 | 3-6 | W1 |
| 3 |  | New England Patriots | 8 | 9 | 0 | .471 | 3-3 | 364 | 347 | 4-4 | 4-5 | L1 |
| 4 |  | New York Jets | 7 | 10 | 0 | .412 | 2-4 | 296 | 316 | 3-5 | 4-5 | L6 |
On the other side, Justin Fields’s availability is still up in the air. A left-shoulder injury has him officially listed at questionable, meaning the second and fourth quarterback from the 2021 NFL draft may both miss this Week 12 contest.
Jets vs. Bears game info
- New York Jets (6-4)
- Chicago Bears (3-8)
- NFL, Week 12, Nov. 27, 2022, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX
- MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
The game can be seen on FOX with Joe Davis and Darryl “Moose” Johnston on the call. Slated to kick off from MetLife Stadium at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, this is a critical one for the 6-4 New York Jets.
For the second time this season, the Jets will wear their all-black uniforms.
Back in our house. pic.twitter.com/a1F1HQpflF
— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 23, 2022
Jets vs. Bears history
- The Bears lead the all-time series 9-3.
Historically, this series falls in the Chicago Bears’ favor. The Jets emerged victorious the first time these two teams met in 1974, but the Bears captured the last five meetings, increasing their all-time series lead from 4-3 to 9-3.
In October 2018, Chicago knocked off New York, 24-10, led by Mitchell Trubisky’s 220 yards and two touchdowns (to no interceptions).
Jets vs. Bears odds (FanDuel Sportsbook)
- Spread: Jets +6 (-110), Bears -6 (-110)
- Moneyline: Jets -255, Bears +210
- Over/Under: 38.5 (O: -110, U: -110)
With Chicago at 3-8, the Jets are favored by six points at home. It’s an understandable point spread for a home team with a winning record but may not be rolling nicely.
Jets vs. Bears injury report
New York Jets
- Sheldon Rankins (Elbow): Out
- Kenny Yeboah (Calf): Doubtful
- Duane Brown (Shoulder): Questionable
Corey Davis returns to the lineup after missing a few games, so Mike White will have his full weaponry by his side. Unfortunately, Kenny Yeboah will be out, as is Sheldon Rankins.
Although Duane Brown carries a questionable designation into the game, he should be good to go.
Chicago Bears
- Jauquan Brisker (Concussion): Out
- Kyler Gordon (Concussion): Out
- Sterling Weatherford (Concussion): Out
- Justin Fields (Shoulder): Questionable
The real injury question on this day is at quarterback. Whether or not Justin Fields plays is the big pregame question.
Jets vs. Bears prediction
- New York Jets 37, Chicago Bears 20
That’s right, 37 points for the New York Jets is my prediction. This Chicago Bears defense is nothing to write home about, which means Mike White should have a tidy welcome to the 2022 NFL season.
Expect Elijah Moore to have a solid day, scoring his first touchdown of the campaign. Also expect Michael Carter to show face, while Robert Saleh’s defense does its usually dominant thing—save for a couple of touchdowns that come late or while nursing a big lead.
You think we’re giving up 20pts? 30-9 Jets.
You are as close as it gets!!! Good call!
It’s going to rain I don’t see a lot of points, in fact I see a very sloppy game, Jets win17-6. The thing about moves like this is, everybody is excited at first but that wears off quickly and if there isn’t early success frustration sits in fast. Zach had to be benched for a number of reasons, it’s unfortunate his development didn’t coincide with the team but clearly the rest of the group if far ahead of him.
I remain concerned at the demonstrative display of frustration last week. I don’t know if the game being the Pats had anything to do with it but Mims, G. Wilson, and Brown all had moments on the field they obviously were not happy. Zach saying he sometimes gets frustrated with his guys didn’t help. My fear is White may end up equally as frustrating with a few good plays sandwiched between an INT here or there.
Still, the entire Jets’ fan base all said to a person the goal this season was to be playing meaningful games in December and the season would be a success. Well, it’s here, win or lose today, they will be playing meaningful games in December. The idea now that we have to ignore that goal because they actually have a chance to make the playoffs makes me laugh. Well, what did you think it would be like to be playing “meaningful games in December?” It would mean they have a shot at the playoffs, so if that was the goal then they have made it.
I’m digressing because I think a lot has been made of “Zach being done” or they need to move on “he’s not the guy” but it is a way to early assessment. Staring White is just another step in Zach’s development. Zach’s path won’t be the “plug and play” path, but as you mentioned I feel 100% confident this staff and GM know what they are doing. My hope is White can play solid ball and give them an opportunity to win. That will allow Zach to develop, and meet the goal of playing “meaningful games in December.” Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it.
I hope your right. A good day by the offence is what’s needed right now to start building momentum toward a playoff push.