Zach Wilson gives Jets fans reason to believe with interview that says it all

13 October 2023 , 23:59

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Zach Wilson wants the Jets to treat the playbook like Rodgers is still QB1

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson gave fans of the team confidence after he emphasized that the team should not simplify the offense for him due to Aaron Rodgers' injury. Instead, he highlighted that he must improve and deliver his best performance for the team's benefit.

"Aaron got hurt four plays in. I don't want this team to feel like we have a different quarterback, and now we need to change the gameplan and make it simpler," said Wilson in . "I need to be the one to step up."

"We haven't shown that yet, and that's the challenge for us," he continued. "Can we open it up? Can we be explosive offensively? Especially throwing the ball and taking shots."

Upon hearing Wilson's comments, Jets fans admired the 24-year-old quarterback's confidence on social media. The messages even included fans who had been critical of Wilson in the past, both during the previous season and the initial three weeks of this season.

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"As hard as I've been on this kid at times, I really want to see him succeed," wrote one fan on X, formerly Twitter. "I have been a Jets fan since I was eight, and I went from get this bum Wilson off my team to, .ehhhh hold up. Let's see what buddy can do this year, too, man. Let buddy cook a little, and let's see what happens," another fan said.

"He just gets in his own head. If he could consistently play as he did against the Chiefs, this team would be in great hands for years to come," observed another supporter of Wilson. "He has elite talent. I wish he could get his head on straight," wrote another user in favor of Wilson.

In the Week 4 game that followed his comments, Wilson had a strong performance, completing 28 of 39 passes for 245 yards, throwing two touchdowns, and achieving a QB rating of 105.2. He also had one fumble during the game. Despite his efforts, the Jets suffered a 23-20 loss to the Chiefs.

Wilson led the Jets to a win over the Broncos

Following the loss, media members in attendance at the game asked head coach Robert Saleh whether the team's offense had been opened up more for Wilson, considering his improved performance compared to previous weeks. "He's been practicing outstanding," said Saleh. "I'm just really happy for him to go out and show that he does belong [in the NFL ] and he can play in this league. If he [keeps] playing that way, we are going to win a whole lot of football games."

Wilson's performance might not have been as statistically impressive the following week, but he effectively led the Jets to a hard-fought 31-21 victory over the Denver Broncos. Wilson completed 19 of 26 passes for 199 yards, although he threw one interception and did not record any touchdowns. Additionally, he carried the ball three times for 26 yards.

The Jets are scheduled to go up against the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles in their upcoming game on October 15. Wilson is anticipated to retain his starting role, offering him another chance to translate his winning mindset into victories on the field.

Rory Robinson