Hackett Uncovers Secret to Zach Wilson's Success

Jets' quarterback stepping in right direction under new offensive coordinator

As the footwork improves, so will the on-field results.

Stepping into a new offensive system in place of the injured Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets' starting quarterback Zach Wilson has seemingly found a rhythm over the past two weeks.  The former No. 2 overall draft pick has completed 72.3 percent of passes as the Jets pushed Kansas City to the brink before posting a 31-21 road win over Denver. 

"For our system, on the foundation of what it was built is all your footwork. Your footwork and understanding of the decision and the timing. That leads to your accuracy," said offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett on Thursday. 

Wilson entered the season with a 55.2 career completion percentage. He eclipsed the 70 percent threshold only once in nine starts last season. With the improved footwork, however, he's achieved the feat in back-to-back weeks heading into a home game against the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles.

"I think the goal is to be able to have your footwork so down that you’re subconsciously thinking about it out there," said Wilson as he prepares to face a Philadelphia defense that limits opponents to 308.8 yards per game. "We have practiced it so many times that it should be able to happen naturally."

In addition to upgrading his footwork, Wilson needed to gain familiarity within the new offensive scheme.

"Right now, with us and this offense, he’s five games old. That’s the way that I look at it," said Hackett, who joined the Jets in the offseason. "As he grows and continually does those things, I think he’s going to get more comfortable with some of those other concepts."

Then, there's the fact that the original offensive plan was devised with a future Hall-of-Famer as the starting quarterback. After Rodgers's injury thrusted Wilson back into the fire, Hackett needed to tweak his system to account for the change at quarterback. Five weeks into the experiment, the results have improved.

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"It’s really been the last two games. I think that we’ve seen just a couple things open up a little bit more," said Hackett. "I think there’s been so many changes so quick and early. It’s almost like I’m glad that it happened this early so we could find out what we can do as a unit. It’s something that we want to continue to build on."

Wilson has the chance to take another step forward at home in Week 6. The Eagles moved to 5-0 overall by limiting Los Angeles Rams' quarterback Matthew Stafford to a 56.8 completion percentage and 6.0 yards per pass last week. Philly sacked Stafford four times.

"For him to be able to take the proper footwork, and get the ball out before any pass rush can even get to you accurately and efficiently, is what we’re always aiming for," said Hackett. " As he’s developing within these footworks and understanding where his eyes are and his feet, that’s where I think you’re seeing that improvement."

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