NFL
There are several quarterbacks around the NFL facing make-or-break seasons, and Zach Wilson is definitely in that category. With the Jets recruiting heavily in the off-season, the pressure was mounting for the second-year quarterback ahead of the new season. And then, in his first preseason game in Philadelphia, Wilson picked up an injury that has thrown the Jets’ start into doubt.
As any betting fan or Daily Fantasy Sports competitor will tell you, keeping a close eye on the NFL injury report is an essential part of following the game. So, what does Wilson’s injury mean for the Jets and their chances of progressing after many long years of failure?
Terrible Timing
The first thing that you have to say about the injury is that the timing is absolutely terrible, coming early in the first preseason game. It robbed Wilson of the chance to gel with his new teammates in a competitive setting, a process that no amount of training and practice games can reproduce.
Up until the injury, Wilson had completed 3 of 5 passes, with one interception, recording 23 yards passing and seven yards rushing. Then, with the game still in the first quarter, he rolled out of the pocket and in the process of scrambling to avoid the Eagles’ defense, damaged his knee.
The main problem is a torn meniscus of the right knee and on Sunday, Wilson flew to Los Angeles, where he will undergo arthroscopic surgery from a well-known orthopedic surgeon. The Jets are hoping for the best, and it has been suggested that a trim of the meniscus may be sufficient, but as with all injuries of this kind, the full extent of the problem will not be known until the surgeon is able to get a closer look.
The Wilson Problem
Drafted second overall in the 2021 Draft by a franchise that has not won the Super Bowl since its one and only success in 1969, it is not surprising that the expectation levels for Wilson were through the roof. The rookie was never going to be able to match those expectations, but even allowing for the context that this was his first season in the league, his performance was disappointing.
Admittedly, he didn’t have a lot to work with. But a record of 2,334 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 13 games, was a poor return. In fact, he finished the season with a quarterback rating of 69.7, making him the least effective in the NFL.
In an effort to give Wilson more protection and more tools, the Jets set about assembling an upgraded roster. Laken Tomlinson and Alijah Vera-Tucker represent a strong guard pairing, alongside tackles Mekhi Becton and George Fant. As for the offensive options at Wilson’s disposal, these now include number ten Draft pick, Garrett Wilson, while there are also hopes that Elijah Moore will develop into the franchise star receiver that the Jets fans have been desperate to see.
Also looking better this season are the running back options. Mike LaFleur should be able to fully implement the West Coast offense thanks to the signings of Breece Hall and Michael Carter, along with the free agency acquisitions of C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin. Jeremy Ruckert will boost the level of competition among the running backs on the roster too.
But bringing that all together will require a massive upgrade in performance from the franchise quarterback. There is plenty for Wilson to work with, in particular, his powerful arm and impressive ability to improvise. But in his first season, he was nowhere near the level of accuracy and consistency needed to help the Jets compete. According to reports, the signs were more positive in this year’s training camp, suggesting that Wilson had more command of the huddle. But now, this injury has thrown the Jets’ preparations into disarray and left them scrambling for options.
Other Jets Options
In Wilson’s absence, the Jets might turn to Mike White or seasoned veteran, Joe Flacco. White is the more obvious successor. Last year, he made three starts in place of an injured Wilson and went 1-−2, with a pass completion rate of 66.7% and a total of five touchdowns and eight interceptions.
But reports suggest that it might be Flacco, who spent 11 seasons with the Ravens and won a Super Bowl during that time, who ends up starting the season against his former team. In his two starts last season, he completed 27 of 42 passes for three touchdowns and no interceptions while losing his lone start in Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins.
The problem for the Jets is that Wilson’s absence effectively puts the new project on hold, potentially beyond the end of September. For Jets fans, the sooner he is recovered, the better.
