Four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers injured his ankle or Achilles in the first quarter of Monday night’s game. Zach Wilson had to relieve Rodgers against the Buffalo Bills. The New York Jets traded for Rodgers to replace Wilson as the team’s starter.
If you watched HBO’s “Hard Knocks” in the preseason, you saw Rodgers work with Wilson during practice and games. Rodgers tried to show the third-year player some of the tricks he’s learned during his career. Now Wilson will have to show how much he’s learned from Rodgers in their short time together. How much Wilson improves might play a big part in the Jets’ postseason hopes.
How Did the Jets Get Zach Wilson?
Wilson was drafted with the second overall pick of the 2021 draft. Wilson played three seasons in college at BYU. He had 56 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions in 30 career games. In 2020, Wilson had a 73.5 complete percentage and broke the school record held by Steve Young.
Other quarterbacks selected in the 2021 first round after Wilson include the Dallas Cowboys’ Trey Lance (by the 49ers), the Chicago Bears’ Justin Fields, and the New England Patriots’ Mac Jones. The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Trebor Lawrence with the first pick of the draft.
How Has Wilson Performed for the Jets?
Wilson has started 22 games in his first two seasons. He missed time in both seasons because of knee injuries. In 2021, Wilson was voted Rookie of the Week multiple times.
Wilson has thrown 15 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in his career. Wilson ended his rookie season without an interception in his last 156 pass attempts. It was the longest streak by a Jets quarterback since 2000. He rushed for four touchdowns in his rookie season but only one last season.
He has had two games with over 300 yards passing; both came in one-score losses last season. He’s had three games under 100 pass yards when he’s had at least 18 attempts.
Wilson has shown an ability to use his legs to scramble and avoid pressure. Wilson had a career-high 91 rush yards against the Jaguars in 2021.
Wilson was voted team captain by his teammates in both seasons.
How Have the Jets Done With Wilson as a Starter?
Wilson has only won eight of his 22 starts in his first two seasons. In 2022, the Jets were 5-4 when Wilson started and 2-6 when he didn’t. The Jets lost six straight games to end the 2022 season, and Wilson started two of the games.
