EAST RUTHERFORD (N.J.) -- New York Jets rookie quarterback Zach Wilson passed with relative ease in his first preseason test. He performed well against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
Wilson, who played in two series, completed six out of nine passes for 63 yard. From the beginning, Wilson was calm and in control. He distributed the ball to five receivers. The Jets' second overall pick did an excellent job directing the offense. He led the team to seven first downs, and one field goal on the two possessions.
Robert Saleh, who was the Jets' first head coach, said that he felt comfortable on third down. "[He] made good throws and directed the offense very well. He was able to get in and out of the huddle quickly and moved it well. It was a great first day.
Fans can let out a sigh of relief.
Wilson's first two weeks at training camp were uneven and generated headlines and chatter on talk-shows. Saleh had noted Wilson's inexperience and warned that it would get worse before it gets better.
He was actually wrong. Although it was better Saturday night, Wilson only had to face backups. Joe Judge, Giants coach, decided to rest most his key starters on defense.
Wilson described his night as "I thought it had been good." Wilson said, "Of course, I still have to clean up. It was an amazing experience. It was a great experience to have that game-like setting.
Wilson's impressive performance on third down was the most remarkable. He was 3-for-3 with 9- and 16 yard conversions to Keelan Cole and Corey Davis, respectively. He was under pressure and hit Tyler Kroft, tight end, for 13 yards on third-and-14. The Giants' 43 yard line was the Giants' fourth-and-1.
Wilson said that third-down conversions were "amazing for us".
These plays were made from the pocket. Wilson was also able to play outside of the pocket and throw on the run on bootlegs designed by Wilson -- another strength.
Wilson's ability to improvise is one of the things that attracted the Jets. However, he didn’t have to do it against the Giants. He stuck to the script, even under little pressure. He was not fired and had no interceptions -- a clean exit.
Saleh was most impressed with Wilson's calm on third down. However, he warned that there will be growing pains.
He said, "We have so many confidence in the young men." You want to have as many good days possible, but there is still youth. He's still just a rookie and there are still many things he needs to learn. Although this young man has incredible potential, it is still a learning process.
Wilson is expected to be the Jets' opening-day starter. Although they haven't yet announced, it was obvious after they failed to acquire a veteran to take over the starting job. James Morgan and Mike White are the top backups, but neither has regular-season experience. Journeyman Josh Johnson is the fourth-stringer.
The Jets did not play running back Tevin Coleman (excused from personal reasons) or rookie wide receiver Elijah Moore, who are both considered day-today.
The defense performed well, prompting C.J. to make a bold statement. Mosley.
He said, "I'll refer back to one of the quotes I used when I arrived here in 2019." "If people are asleep on the Jets, and if they have the same mentality, you will get your arse out. It doesn't matter if MetLife is nearby or not.
