It all started when New York Jets rookie quarterback Zach Wilson was a couple of days late arriving at camp because his contract had not been finalized.
All #Jets players reported to camp this morning except rookie QB Zach Wilson. Both sides are still trying to finalize his rookie contract. Similar situation happened in 2018 with Sam Darnold.
“Hopefully it gets done soon,” Robert Saleh said. First practice is tomorrow.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 27, 2021
Then, he arrived, and there was talk that he was not performing as well as expected.
Of course, he is a rookie which means he will definitely make mistakes.
Wilson himself talked about being unafraid of making mistakes in practice saying that he will learn from them.
Zach Wilson on taking chances in practice:
"I can't be afraid to make mistakes. This is where I'm learning what I can get away with and what I can't." pic.twitter.com/nOfnDimMED
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) August 11, 2021
This led to concerns leading into the Jets first preseason game against their across town rivals, the New York Giants.
Much to the relief of Jets fans and coaches, Wilson had a positive outing.
He led the team on two efficient drives before exiting the game.
Wilson assessed his game performance by saying:
“I thought it was good. Of course, there are still things to clean up. It was a great experience. I really enjoyed having that game-like setting, the introduction to the NFL and the whole game. It’s great for everybody no matter how much football you played. It was awesome just to be able to get out there and do that.”
Wilson was in for 22 plays.
He completed six out of nine passes for 63 yards.
Demeanor Was Cool And Collected
Wilson did not look visibly stressed or unsure.
His body language showed that he was confident and ready to lead.
He led his team with conviction.
Looked like everything @ZachWilson did last night was effortless. Very little strain-stress in how he operated/played. So often young QB’s early on play so frantic bc of stress/lack of comfort & confidence—he looked like he was in a effortless mindset. Strong start 👏 @nyjets
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) August 15, 2021
His coach Robert Saleh was impressed.
“We have so much confidence in the young man. You want him to stack up as many good days as possible, but there’s still youth, he’s still a rookie. There are going to be a lot of opportunities for him to grow. Even in this game, even though he looked comfortable … the young man’s potential is through the roof, but there are still going to be things he can learn off of.”
Jets’ HC Robert Saleh tonight on rookie QB Zach Wilson: “This man’s potential is through the roof.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 15, 2021
Throws Were Good
A great on-the-field demeanor is all well and good, but it needs to be backed up with solid throws and good decision-making.
Wilson did both.
.@ZachWilson connects on the deep out to @TheCDavis84 🎯 #NYJvsNYG pic.twitter.com/pMQByCiRLx
— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2021
He will get another preseason test on Saturday, August 21 when the Jets travel to Lambeau Field to play the Green Bay Packers.
NEXT: Jets Fans Should Be Concerned About A Zach Wilson Holdout