


Tim Boyle had “no clue,” even at halftime, that the Jets would turn to Trevor Siemian.
But after Boyle’s throw intended for Garrett Wilson was intercepted by Jessie Bates III late in the third quarter, head coach Robert Saleh inserted Siemian for the fourth quarter — pivoting from the Jets’ Boyle experiment after two starts and three appearances — of their 13-8 loss to the Falcons. Boyle completed 14 of 25 passes for 148 yards and an interception, while Gang Green actually compiled some positive drives and chunk plays.
The result, though, was the same.
There weren’t any touchdowns.
There were plenty of punts. And then there was another quarterback change.
“Didn’t make enough plays,” Boyle said. “Could’ve been way more aggressive on a few more throws that I wanted back, but clearly didn’t get the job done and didn’t score enough points.”
The switch to Siemian didn’t change anything.
He completed 5 of 13 passes for 63 yards, fumbled the ball three times and lost one.
Saleh didn’t name a starter for next Sunday, but when asked postgame if Zach Wilson could be considered, he responded by saying that’s always the case.
When the Jets turned to Boyle in Week 11, he wasn’t expected to fix everything.
The numbers — 0-3 previously as a starter, with three touchdowns and nine interceptions — didn’t provide a promising outlook, but he described himself as a quarterback who could make quick decisions.
After his interception in the third quarter, though, Boyle’s stat line across the past three games ended at 48 of 77 for 360 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions.
Bates had been a point of emphasis in the Jets’ meetings this week, he said, especially with how the safety could read the quarterback’s eyes.
That’s why Boyle stared at the middle of the field, away from Wilson.
“In hindsight, I mean, again, Xavier’s [Gipson] wide open on the other side of the field,” Boyle said. “Does that happen if my eyes go to [Wilson]? I have no clue, but something I want back.
“On that one, I’m fine with the decision, I just want the ball flight to be a little different so it’s not as high of a throw.”
At times Sunday, the Jets’ offense managed to produce sustainable drives.
Three drives in the first half lasted nine or more plays, and Boyle said they wanted to emphasize downfield throws, too.
The first play from scrimmage was a play-action that ended with a checkdown.
The first play of the second half featured a 31-yard completion to Wilson, too.
But when the points didn’t follow and touchdown opportunities turned into field goals, Saleh made the change.
“Just trying to spark the offense,” Saleh said.