New York Jets News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Ochocinco 'willing to physically fight anyone' doubting the Jets

Former NFL player Chad Ochocinco Johnson Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Chad Ochocinco 'willing to physically fight anyone' doubting the Zach Wilson-led Jets

By Vinny Somma | Last updated 9/25/23

Week 3 of the NFL season gave us some truly dominant performances — or all-time blunders, depending on what side of the fence you are on.

While the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs stole headlines for their Madden-like offensive output, the Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears and New York Jets each saw their seasons further slip away in crushing fashion.

Yet, regardless of the shortcomings in Denver, Chicago and New York, former NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco isn't ready to jump off the bandwagon of each respective team. In fact, the six-time Pro Bowler has so much faith in these three teams that he's willing to "physically fight anyone" to defend his case as to why they will turn their seasons around.

However, a "healthy debate" would also do.

I have faith in the Broncos, Bears & my Zac Wilson’s Jets & I’m willing to physically fight anyone or have a healthy debate on why things will turn around for all 3 as the season continues, choose your battle wisely
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) September 25, 2023

As for why he's so willing to die on the hill that is the Zach Wilson-led Jets, Ochocinco pointed to the cast surrounding the third-year quarterback.

"We have f-----g Garrett Wilson. (Allen) Lazard & (Randall) Cobb, a little creativity offensively & boom we are back in contention in the AFC East," Ochocinco wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Frustration has been mounting in Florham Park since Aaron Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles in the season opener, and may be nearing a boiling point just three weeks into the year. During the second half of Sunday's 15-10 loss to the New England Patriots, Garrett Wilson was spotted on the sidelines having a heated exchange with his quarterback and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.

Garrett Wilson is asked about when the TV cameras caught him having a heated moment with Zach Wilson & Nathaniel Hackett on the sideline:

“Just frustrating. Frustration that we’re not moving the ball. That’s what it was. Our defense was stringing together some stops, & I felt… pic.twitter.com/4xeuPd70Cu
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) September 24, 2023

Hackett hasn't been doing his young quarterback any favors. Wilson is trying — and failing miserably — to operate an offense originally built for Rodgers.

Despite having Dalvin Cook and Breece Hall in the backfield, the Jets have averaged just 51 rushing yards over their last two games. While Wilson has struggled to function behind a spotty offensive line, New York has failed to take advantage of his mobility and big arm outside of the pocket.

Unfortunately for the Jets and Ochocinco's sake, Rodgers isn't taking the field anytime soon, leaving Gang Green's season on life-support less than one month in.

More must-reads: