The New York Jets have lacked a true franchise quarterback since Joe Namath, but Zach Wilson sure looks like he’s ready to step into that starring role on Broadway.
Undaunted by the heightened atmosphere of Lambeau Field and the Green Bay Packers, Wilson certainly looked the part on Saturday. The BYU product was the epitome of cool, calm and collected, hitting nine of 11 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns, as the Jets went to halftime with a 17-14 lead.
Preseason football makes it difficult to judge much of anything. Defenses aren’t disguising coverages as often, if at all, and the schemes aren’t as exotic. Nevertheless, even as Green Bay sat many starters, headlined by Aaron Rodgers, Wilson was still without his top draft classmates in starting guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and wide receiver Elijah Moore.
Despite those key absences, Wilson didn’t flinch. He hung in the pocket and slid around with ease to find throwing windows like you’d expect out of a five-year vet. The accuracy, touch and field vision Wilson showed were all truly exceptional, especially for a rookie.
Although the Jets lost one of their prized free-agent acquisitions in defensive end Carl Lawson to a torn Achilles earlier this week, one of their other marquee offseason additions, wideout Corey Davis, was in sync with Wilson to say the least.
Davis hauled in four of his six targets for 70 yards, as Wilson was absolutely on point with his potential No. 1 receiver.
Unheralded tight end Tyler Kroft also had himself a game, largely thanks to Wilson’s ability to deliver the ball accurately. Kroft caught a TD up the seam from Wilson for 18 yards, as the QB delivered the ball more on the back shoulder to protect Kroft from a huge hit at the goal line.
Wilson to Kroft for SIX!!
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 21, 2021
#NYJvsGB on @nflnetwork & https://t.co/IDocpYHJpV pic.twitter.com/M0cmC8rU06
Then, following an excellent kickoff return gave New York good field position, Wilson pulled off a great play fake, rolled left, and hit Kroft perfectly in stride so he could run after the catch and find the end zone from 18 yards out again.
The connection is HOT from @ZachWilson to @Kroft86
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 21, 2021
#NYJvsGB on @nflnetwork, https://t.co/IDocpYHJpV & mobile app pic.twitter.com/bbH1OaOmie
You really had to see Wilson to appreciate how in control he was. That’s, in part, what social media reactions are for!
Man the way #ZachWilson just moved his Receiver with that pass was another level!! pic.twitter.com/mhGot9HYD4
— Marcus Spears (@mspears96) August 21, 2021
Zach Wilson: great thrower of the football to all levels of the field pic.twitter.com/bIwenZ8lgw
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) August 21, 2021
Zach Wilson finished 9/11 for 128 yards and 2 TDs.
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) August 21, 2021
He played 2nd and 3rd string defenders, but the talent jumps off the field.
N.Y. Jets fans right now watch Zach Wilson cook: pic.twitter.com/pGqIiXhOUg
— Jim Weber (@JimMWeber) August 21, 2021
That look you make when you’re about to put the league on notice…and you’re just getting things started. #Jets @ZachWilson pic.twitter.com/RZDHKikwcq
— Jason Klein (@ByJasonKlein) August 21, 2021
Zach wilson to all the haters pic.twitter.com/cqY7lvmSSO
— Prison Barles (@Hookemcougs) August 21, 2021
Mahomes is terrified seeing Zach Wilson’s performance today
— Zach Wilson’s Burner (@ZWilsonsBurner) August 21, 2021
I’m very excited to see regular season Zach Wilson with the speed the Jets have at receiver.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) August 21, 2021
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