Much to the delight of NFL fans, HBO’s Hard Knocks kicked off the 2023 season with the debut episode on Tuesday night. We begin with the motivational “Crows and Eagles” speech from head coach Robert Saleh, with most of the episode devoted to future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers and what his acquisition means for the New York Jets franchise.
Can Aaron Rodgers Help Mentor Zach Wilson?
The raised expectations and the fallout from the trade in which the Jets acquired Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers impacted no one more than incumbent QB Zach Wilson. Wilson was the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft — and with a lofty draft selection comes expectations.
To suggest that Wilson has been a disappointment for the New York fanbase so far in his young career would be an understatement. Wilson has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns in his two-year NFL career.
The former BYU product was submitted into the starting lineup almost immediately during his rookie season, starting 13 games for the Jets. Perhaps being thrust into the starting lineup and the New York City limelight was too much for the young man. Surprisingly, the Jets’ backup signal-caller opened up about his early-career scuffles.
“Obviously, the last two years have been tough. Just trying to find my way as a quarterback. Honestly, things started to feel like they were getting worse each week. Confidence was going down,” Wilson said.
The Jets have experienced similar issues with young, high-drafted quarterbacks. During the 2018 NFL Draft, New York traded up and selected QB Sam Darnold out of USC. Unfortunately, Darnold flamed out in New York and was traded to the Carolina Panthers.
The Jets’ coaching staff, namely Saleh, recognizes the complex situation and continues to support Wilson.
“He’s embraced it. He’s all-in on trying to learn. I feel like him showing up was successful because what he’s being asked to do is hard. To go from the potential face of the organization to ‘Hey, just sit back for a bit and reset.’ That is not easy.”
QB dynamics can be a complicated process in a highly competitive sport, with each signal-caller wishing to remain at the top of the depth chart. If you recall, when Rodgers entered the NFL, his predecessor, Brett Favre, was not very kind to the rookie and refused to mentor his eventual replacement.
Rodgers seems to be embracing the mentor/pupil relationship with Wilson, even throwing a few light-hearted barbs at one another.
.@ZachWilson was showing off the arms and Coach Saleh and @AaronRodgers12 were loving it. 😂#HardKnocks with the @nyjets premieres tonight at 10pm ET on @StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/t0MJ1dsw0h
— NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2023
Wilson entered the NFL at a young age and was very green. It’s far too early to give up on him. In time, perhaps the Rodgers/Wilson relationship will be fruitful and allow for Wilson to turn his NFL career around.
