Zach Wilson had definitely seen this script earlier than.
A clumsy Jets offense. Groans from the gang. A tough-to-stomach Jets loss.
The ex-Jets bust – now the Broncos’ third-string quarterback – was often the one in the midst of all of it, although. However this time, he was simply an observer.
Wilson, whom the Jets chosen with the No. 2 general choose within the 2021 draft, returned to MetLife Stadium Sunday afternoon for the Broncos’ 10-9 win over the Jets. He was the Broncos’ emergency quarterback for the sport and was not wanted.
“A little bit bittersweet,” Wilson advised The Put up after the sport. “A little bit bit of excellent, just a little little bit of reminiscences of issues that didn’t all the time go effectively. However general, good to see a number of the fellows, which I feel is the primary factor.”
Wilson began 33 video games for the Jets throughout three disastrous seasons, finishing 57.0 p.c of his passes for six,293 yards, 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions together with a 73.2 passer score.
The Jets went 12-21 in video games Wilson began.
They dumped him off to the Broncos in change for a 2024 sixth-round choose this previous offseason. The Jets additionally despatched a 2024 seventh-round choose to the Broncos.
And it doesn’t precisely bode effectively for Wilson’s outlook that he’s behind rookie Bo Nix and backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham on the depth chart. Nix was largely woeful on Sunday, finishing simply 12 of 25 passes for 60 yards and a landing.
However throughout the NFL, former quarterback busts are capitalizing on second – or third and fourth – probabilities.
There’s Sam Darnold, who has led the Vikings – his fourth group – to an ideal 4-0 begin.
There’s Justin Fields, whose robust play has helped the Steelers begin 3-1 after he flamed out with the Bears.
Baker Mayfield loved a resurgent season final 12 months with the Buccaneers, cashed in over the offseason and is prospering once more this 12 months.
Even Geno Smith has made himself a ton of cash and confirmed he’s a succesful NFL starter after his tough Jets tenure.
Can Wilson be part of that group sooner or later?
“I’d wish to hope so, for certain,” Wilson stated. “And that’s what I’m getting ready for every single day, when my quantity will get known as and my time comes. Simply doing one of the best I can to assist the group win and simply making an attempt to get higher every single day.”
Final 12 months, the Jets had deliberate to let Wilson sit and be taught behind Aaron Rodgers, hoping it could permit him to reset and salvage his profession.
However that plan infamously lasted simply 4 performs, as Rodgers tore his Achilles and Wilson was pressured proper again into motion.
Rodgers wasn’t at his finest on Sunday, finishing 24 of 42 passes for no touchdowns or interceptions.
“We get to speak each now and again,” Wilson stated. “He’s an outstanding dude. Clearly, an unbelievable quarterback – he does such a superb job on the market, I’m all the time making an attempt to be taught from his sport.”
