New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson got the starting role again this week after being benched in favor of Tim Boyle two weeks ago.
Wilson was demoted to the third-string QB the past two games, with Boyle getting the start and veteran Trevor Siemian as the backup. With the chance to prove himself, he did not disappoint in a dominant 30-6 rainy day win over the Houston Texans Sunday.
Zach Wilson Impresses in Comeback Game
Head coach Robert Saleh announced Wednesday that Wilson would start Sunday’s home game against the Texans.
“Zach gives us our best chance to win,” Saleh said. “Giving him another opportunity to go prove that.”
And he did just that. In the win, Wilson completed 75% of his passes for 301 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
“In the second half, I thought Zach probably played the best game of his career,” Saleh said postgame. “The timing and rhythm, getting the ball out to where it needed to get to, being aggressive but smart at the same time … I mean, he’s out there having a good time. He made a lot of things happen that weren’t there. So hats off to him. I thought he was outstanding today.
“Four more games like that, it’d be pretty good,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rookie of the Year candidate CJ Stroud has his worst game yet as an NFL QB. He completed 43.5% of his passes for 91 yards before leaving the game with a head injury.
The teams combined for 13 consecutive punts before New York knelt with two seconds left to end the scoreless first half.
The second half was a different story for the Jets as they started the second half with possession and traveled 75 yards in seven plays. Wilson hit Randall Cobb for a 15-yard TD.
New York made it two straight touchdown drives with 4:31 left in the third quarter. Wilson fumbled on the next possession but came back with a 75-yard scoring drive.
The Jets defense wrapped up a stellar performance by forcing three straight turnovers on downs, which led to three Greg Zuerlein field goals.
MORE: New York Jets Depth Chart
Wilson now has the chance to build off of this momentum and turn the Jets season around. Saleh said, “I wouldn’t hold my breath,” regarding Aaron Rodgers coming back next week.
The Jets’ season was turned upside down after Rodgers suffered an Achilles tear just a few plays into the year. The season has been a rollercoaster ever since as Wilson struggled and was benched, and has now returned.
Before the win against the Texans, in 10 games, including nine starts, Wilson had completed 59.2% of his passes for 1,944 yards, six touchdowns, and seven interceptions while losing five fumbles.
He had his best performance this season by far against the Texans. Is it sustainable, and do the Jets have any chance of making a playoff berth?
The Jets offense scored three touchdowns for the first time all season, and Wilson looked like a different quarterback than we have seen in 2023. This was his third 300-yard passing game of his career and the first one with no interceptions.
Should Wilson continue to play at this level, the Jets could go on a run and put themselves into playoff contention, though everything would have to go just right for them, which is very unlikely.
The team takes on the 9-3 Dolphins next week, who have been dominant all season. Wilson would have to have another phenomenal performance for New York to stand a chance against Miami.
From there, the Jets have winnable games against the Commanders and Patriots but face the 7-5 Browns in Week 17, which could definitely pose a challenge.
Wilson has reclaimed his spot as the starting QB in New York. His performance has given fans a glimmer of hope as things are still uncertain regarding Rodgers’ return.
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