New York Jets: How Rookie QB Zach Wilson can find his stride
By Evan Bruner
Final thoughts
It’s far too early to be throwing around the bust label for any rookie, but especially for one like Zach Wilson. Coming from BYU, he wasn’t exposed to the same caliber of completion guys like Fields, Lawrence, and Mac Jones were. Making the jump to the NFL was always going to be tough for him.
Most of Wilson’s issues this year have come from him trying to do too much. This is something a lot of quarterbacks struggle with early in their pro careers. Wilson was able to make big plays regularly in college, and he’s tried to replicate in the NFL. What he is starting to learn is the explosive play rate he had his last year at BYU isn’t sustainable in the NFL. Better competition makes for a smaller margin for error, and the same types of plays that made Wilson a star in 2020 have started to hurt him and the offense.
Wilson loves making difficult plays. Whether it’s throwing under pressure or tight coverage, he never shies away from a challenge. But being able to make the routine plays is equally, if not more, important. The flashy throws don’t matter if you can’t also do the basics.
How Wilson finishes 2021 will say a lot about his career trajectory
The most important thing to see from a rookie quarterback is gradual growth throughout the season. If Wilson can cut down on the turnovers and sacks while building off the flashes of good from early in the season, Jets fans should be very excited about his future. If not, the fans and the media aren’t going to be overly patient, especially if Fields or Trey Lance end up being special.