Assessing the two versions of Zach Wilson on tape

He would love to burn some of the tape from his rookie season, but Zach Wilson is an exceptional talent. The rest of the Jets offense were also part of his problems in 2021 yet the flashes of brilliant plays have shown why Wilson was a No. 2 overall selection.

Pick, pick, pick

Accuracy from the quarterback is paramount in terms of sustaining drives. Wilson was lacking in this category specifically against the New England Patriots in week two and the Denver Broncos in week three.

Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson intercepted an underthrown corner route thrown from the far hash. The window for completion was small but the pass had to be out of bounds at worst because Jackson was trailing in coverage.

Devin McCourty’s interception of Wilson is considered the most dreadful of the four turnovers from that day. It was a desperation pass on 2nd-and-28 and it’s unclear which of the two Jets receivers were the intended target. Mechanics were a factor with Wilson jumping into the throw.

Depleted receiving core

In the game against the Broncos, Denver gave the Jets receivers little catch space all game. One particular play that had open receivers was still fired into the hands of a defender. Corey Davis is the primary target but Wilson was locked onto him for the entirety of the progression.

A flat route and a Texas route was available but Justin Simmons jumped the pass with relative ease. Earlier in the game, linebacker Alexander Johnson nearly did the same from reading Wilson’s eyes.

A routine crossing route was batted down but Johnson lurked near the throwing lane as the play developed. Wilson obviously has to adjust his field vision in both instances.

Wilson is capable of solid ball placement from bad footwork and uncomfortable shoulder adjustments. If the offensive line doesn’t improve in their pass protecting assignments, Wilson will be completing passes on the run consistently.

Moments of on-the-run passes should reassure Jets fans who at one point, were more comfortable with Mike White taking the field on Sundays. A long completion to Keelan Cole near the sideline with Wilson rolling to his right was a high point in a 297-yard game against the Titans.

Wilson made requisite throws in a near upset at home when the Buccaneers came to MetLife. Intermediate accuracy became a theme of the game and more importantly, mistakes were minimized. Late-season games were almost a different season in terms of staying healthy and trusting progressions within the pocket.

How Wilson stacks up

Comparing each rookie quarterback based on statistics alone wouldn’t be justified. Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields are with new head coaches in 2022. Mac Jones was pro-ready with an all-time coach and a formidable rushing attack as compliments. Trey Lance appeared sparingly and his style of play is different from the quarterbacks selected ahead of him.

Because of various personnel changes, (specifically with Lawrence and Fields) there’s reason to believe that like Wilson, these players have a firm foundation in place.

Pressure overwhelmed Wilson in 2021 and partially contributed to a 55.6 completion percentage. Much of the film indicated that Wilson wasn’t ready for NFL defenses but virtually anyone without breathing room would have some growing pains.

But the latter part of the season is a sign of optimism for the passing game. Perhaps for the first time in a long time, the Jets have a long-term franchise quarterback.