NY Jets expect Zach Wilson to start in Week 4 (but he doesn't fix their issues)

The NY Jets have been awaiting the return of quarterback Zach Wilson for nearly two months now, and it seems likely that their wait will be coming to an end very soon.

Wilson was held out of the Jets' Week 3 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals this past Sunday, marking the third consecutive regular-season game he's missed. However, the Jets reportedly believe Wilson will be able to return in Week 4.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Wilson is "expected to be cleared by doctors next week" and that he's "in line to play against the Steelers." This is, of course, barring any setbacks.

The Jets have been eyeing Week 4 as a return date for Wilson since his successful surgery last month. The team has stuck to their word and kept their young quarterback sidelined, even despite some encouraging signs of progress in practice.

Now, Wilson is set to make his triumphant return to the gridiron in Week 4 against a less-than-stellar Steelers squad. Unfortunately, Wilson alone can't solve the Jets' issues.

Zach Wilson isn't the answer to all the NY Jets' problems

Joe Flacco has hindered the Jets' offense to this point — there's no denying that. The 37-year-old veteran is immobile, oblivious to pressure, and has had a hard time finding and targeting open receivers.

He isn't the only reason the Jets have looked like one of the worst teams in the NFL through three weeks, but he's part of it. If the Jets can get even close to league-average quarterback play out of Wilson, they will be a better team.

That said, Wilson doesn't fix everything.

Zach Wilson doesn't solve the Jets' major problems at the safety position. He doesn't suddenly force a dormant pass rush to wake up nor does he make the defense finish tackles and sacks. Wilson isn't going to fix the Jets' issues in pass protection either.

Wilson may very well be an upgrade over Flacco (at least the Jets certainly hope he is), and that alone breeds optimism. But this is a deeply flawed team whose issues extend well beyond the quarterback position.

To make matters worse, the Jets roster isn't bad on paper. This Jets team would be 0-3 with two blowout home losses to begin the year if not for a once-in-a-lifetime miracle comeback against a Browns team that did everything possible to lose. They're more talented than that, though.

Until the Jets figure out a way to correct their deeper issues, they're not going to be a very good football team regardless of who is under center.

Jets fans should be looking forward to Zach Wilson's return in Week 4, but don't expect him to save the day.