Jets Country

Jets' Zach Wilson Impresses in Preseason Debut

New York Jets rookie quarterback Zach Wilson put together an impressive performance in his preseason debut, taking on the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium

Max Goodman

Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

All eyes were on No. 2 in white on Saturday night as the Jets offense took the field for New York's preseason debut. 

It was a small sample size—just two series, stretching into the beginning of the second quarter—but Wilson gave Jets fans a glimpse of his potential in the NFL with a promising performance.

When he wasn't handing off the football, the rookie flashed his cannon of an arm, delivering darts down the field to complete six of his nine passes. Wilson finished with 63 yards through the air, finding five different wideouts in the process.

Wilson has struggled at times during training camp, slowly adjusting to the next level while attempting to fulfill the lofty expectations that come attached to his role as New York's franchise quarterback. In fact, just last weekend Wilson threw two interceptions in a scrimmage against his teammates, sparking questions of whether or not the rookie is ready to shine early on this season. 

On Saturday, Wilson stayed calm in the pocket while making quick decisions, showing his ability to roll out and deliver with accuracy as well. 

Each of Wilson's first four passes went in the direction of Corey Davis, one of Gang Green's biggest acquisitions in free agency this offseason. One was a pretty third-down conversion to the far sideline, executing with perfect timing for a nine-yard gain.

That wasn't the only time Wilson hit his mark on third down. During his second drive, Wilson found Keelan Cole over the middle for 16 yards, moving the chains by staying tall in the pocket to find his receiver in traffic. The rookie ended up 3-for-3 on third down Saturday night.

Wilson didn't throw any interceptions, he didn't make any ill-advised decisions and wasn't sacked. Sure, it was only two drives and a total of 22 plays, but Wilson put together the kind of performance that this entire Jets offense and coaching staff can build upon, helping the 22-year-old build his confidence leading up to Week 1 next month.

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher  of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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