Zach Wilson Goes from Outhouse to Penthouse in New York Minute

Jets' QB wins back starting job, rolls to AFC Offensive Player of the Week award

It all turned around in New York minute. 

After a two-game benching, New York Jets' starting quarterback Zach Wilson is back in the spotlight as the AFC Offensive Player of the Week. He is the first Jet to earn the offensive honor this season. 

Wilson accounted for his first 300-yard passing performance of the year, powering New York to a 30-6 victory over the Houston Texans on December 10. The former No. 2 overall draft pick completed 75.0 percent of pass attempts for 301 yards and two touchdowns. He was the lone NFL player to amass 300+ pass yards while not being intercepted in Week 14.

"I think it speaks to how impressive it was as an offense, no doubt. I think [offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett] Hack called a great game. I thought he was aggressive. I thought he trusted me to make good decisions down the stretch," said Wilson following the win.

The 24-year-old Wilson passed for 15 first downs against the Texans and led the Jets to touchdowns on all three of their red zone trips. 

"He knocked off a lot of firsts," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh on Wednesday. "He dominated in the rain, had over 300 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He was working off-schedule. He did a lot of things on his own and made a lot of plays that made everybody around him better."

Wilson's 75.0 completion percentage led all Week 14 passers who registered at least 25 attempts. He accounted for a career-best 117.9 quarterback rating. 

"It’s continue to have confidence in your ability, confidence in your teammates, confidence in your coaches, and confidence that he has the ability to take a game over when he’s clicking," said Saleh.

Wilson will get his first shot at the Miami Dolphins this season when the Jets visit Hard Rock Stadium on December 17. The third-year quarterback was benched, in favor of Tim Boyle, prior to the Black Friday home game against Miami.

The Jets have featured three other weekly award winners in 2023. Safety Jordan Whitehead and return specialist Xavier Gipson captured the defensive and special teams honors, respectively, following the Week 1 win over Buffalo. Punter Thomas Morstead was the AFC Special Team Player of the Week in the aftermath of the Week 8 win over the New York Giants.

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