It seems as if the New York Jets‘ season is already over after Week 1.
Just minutes into his debut with them, future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down with what was later diagnosed as a torn Achilles, and he will be out for the rest of this season and possibly longer.
It was the proverbial popping of a balloon that was full of excitement and optimism for the Jets for the first time in years.
Zach Wilson took over under center, and he somehow led New York to a stirring victory in overtime over the Buffalo Bills, 22-16.
Most are now counting out the Jets, but analyst Sal Paolantonio boldly predicted on “Get Up” that they “will be in contention for the division title.”
"Without a doubt, [the Jets] will be in contention for the division title with Zach Wilson and that defense."
—Sal Paolantonio pic.twitter.com/yxpwdsElK2
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) September 12, 2023
Paolantonio cited their defense, which forced three interceptions and four total turnovers on Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen and was the big reason they won the game.
In the end, it wasn’t star cornerback Sauce Gardner, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, but safety Jordan Whitehead who came up with all three interceptions.
Last year, New York was fourth in both points and total yards allowed, and there’s no reason to believe there will be any real drop-off in either category this season.
But Wilson will have to be much more than he has been in his first two seasons for them to have any shot at first place in the AFC East.
Prior to Monday, he had a career completion rate of 55.2 percent while throwing 15 touchdown passes and 18 interceptions.
Against the Bills, he completed 14 of 21 passes for 140 yards while finishing with one touchdown pass and one interception.
NEXT: Jets Legend Praised Zach Wilson After Hard-Fought Win Over Bills
