FLORHAM PARK, NJ — Zach Wilson was in the New York Jets locker room Thursday, talking about replacing Aaron Rodgers, when a teammate made him smile by shouting, “Zach, we love you, boy!”
It was a light, but revealing moment.
Wilson struggled in his first two seasons in the NFL.
He was substituted mid-game twice last season and his future – particularly with the Jets – was uncertain when New York acquired Rodgers in April.
The second overall pick in the 2021 draft was no longer the face of the team.
Wilson insisted, however, that he would absorb as much knowledge as possible as a reserve and learn alongside Rodgers, a four-time NFL Most Valuable Player and a Super Bowl champion in 2011.
He’s back in the spotlight after Rodgers suffered a torn left Achilles tendon Monday, early in the Jets’ season opener — which went to overtime in their favor against the Buffalo Bills.
“One step at a time, one play at a time,” Wilson said. It means trusting the guys around me.”
Wilson had a rough time Monday (14-for-21 for 140 yards passing, with a touchdown and an interception). But he did well when chasing and he made short passes to get out of trouble – which was a problem last year.
“I think when he came in he looked like nothing was going to trip him,” center Connor McGovern said. It faded along the way, but the confidence he exuded returned. It’s great to see how he behaves.”
Wilson feels it in himself too.
“I’m very confident,” he said. I truly believe in myself, which is the first step to reaching the NFL. You have to believe in yourself first and the rest will follow.”
Wilson said he has never had more fun playing football. He adds that being around Rodgers has “absolutely” made him better over the past five months.
“I tried to copy his footwork and follow the advice he gave us,” Wilson said.
Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and head coach Robert Saleh have made it clear they don’t need Wilson to be Rodgers.
They need Wilson to be a better version of himself — starting Sunday, against the Dallas Cowboys’ stout defense.
Many Jets fans remain skeptical of Wilson, especially since the club had very high expectations with Rodgers at the helm.
“I know what I’m capable of,” Wilson said, adding that he doesn’t focus on what’s said outside of the team circle. And I feel like I have the trust of the guys in the locker room.”
However, the road could be bumpy at times.
“There’s going to be ups and downs with all the quarterbacks and all the players, especially the younger players,” Hackett said. I just want to continue teaching him. I just want him to feel more and more comfortable and continue to grow.”
2023-09-16 17:02:27
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