Zach Wilson's Teammates Speaking Optimistically after Latest Performance
Zach Wilson accounted for a breakout performance in primetime against the defending Super Bowl champions.
It wasn't perfect. After all, it was Wilson's fumbled snap that costed the New York Jets a chance at a go-ahead touchdown or game-tying field goal. Prior to the unfortunate miscue, however, it was shaping up as a banner day for the beleaguered Wilson at MetLife Stadium.
Bringing the Jets back from a double-digit deficit, Wilson completed 71.7 percent of his passes and fired two pretty scoring strikes in the eventual 23-20 setback to the Kansas City Chiefs. His 105.6 quarterback rating was substantially higher than the 63.6 figure that Chiefs' field general Patrick Mahomes posted.
Wilson successfully made a number of tight-window throws and found a rhythm within the offense. He finished 28-of-39 passing for 245 yards and two touchdowns. Opening the second half with a game-tying drive, the former No. 2 overall draft pick completed five consecutive passes and punctuated the possession by rushing into the endzone for a two-point conversion.
"If you are playing free of mind, you have the ability to access all of your athletic ability and it felt like he did that for the most part last night," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh during Monday's virtual press conference.
Wilson's teammates also provided their thoughts on the starting quarterback, his latest performance, and what lies ahead. Here is some of that reaction.
Sauce Gardner, CB
"He had a pretty good game. I know he had that fumble, but he did more than enough."
Bryce Huff, DE
"Zach did great, especially with everybody coming down on him the last couple weeks. He definitely came out and put on a show. It was good to see."
Allen Lazard, WR
"Zach’s been diming the ball a lot, especially this offseason, training camp and everything. Its just been unfortunate you guys haven’t been able to see it on Sundays."
Connor McGovern, C
"We wanted to do everything we could to put our best foot forward and make sure we’re doing everything we could as an offense. I think Zach executed that very well. He went out there and had a phenomenal game. One of the best games I’ve seen him play here, so I’m proud of him."
C.J. Mosely, LB
"Just resiliency. That's what it's all about. There's gonna be ups and downs in your career. It's how you handle it. It's about your brothers and your teammates and your coaches. Nobody was in here doubting him. For us, it [Wilson's performance] was no surprise. We were just waiting on it to happen. Let's keep it going."
Alijah Vera-Tucker, RT
"He showed what he's capable of and what's he's been capable of. The play style was definitely aggressive, which, I think, is good for him. He's an aggressive player, that's what he likes. He likes to take his shots. So, that's what we set up and it worked out well for us. We played a good game yesterday. It definitely could be better, but it's a lot of good to take moving into Denver, so shoutout to Zach."
C.J. Uzomah, TE
"I thought he played a heck of a game, honestly. I thought he gave us a chance to win, and unfortunately we were not able to pull it out, but he played a really, really good game. He was letting it rip. He was letting it rip for sure and he was putting the receivers and the tight ends and everybody in the position to make plays and that’s what you want."
READ MORE:
What Jets' Teammates Are Saying about Zach Wilson
Nathaniel Hackett Claps Back at Hall-of-Famer Joe Namath
