Jets rookie quarterback Zach Wilson had an outstanding showing against the Packers in the preseason.
Zach Wilson was fine in his Jets preseason debut against the Giants. His second showing was far from fine. It was electric.
The No. 2 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft lived up to the hype in the first quarter of the Jets’ preseason matchup against the Packers with a near-perfect display.
Wilson took control of the New York offense for four drives, completing 9-of-11 passes for 128 yards. He tossed two touchdown passes and hit several other mouthwatering throws.
NFL Twitter took notice.
Zach Wilson was on fire for the Jets against the Packers
Wilson impressed with a third-down conversion to new-favorite receiver Corey Davis.
Zach Wilson ➡️ Corey Davis
— FanSided (@FanSided) August 21, 2021
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/3HmHywmDju
That Zach Wilson sure does put some velocity on his throws. Zips one to Corey Davis for a 24-yard completion & first down.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 21, 2021
Great eyes by @ZachWilson on that 3rd down shot to Davis
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) August 21, 2021
Corey Davis is clearly Zach Wilson’s favorite target already.
— The Jet Press (@TheJetPress) August 21, 2021
Looks to him almost every play.
His next big completion to Davis had social media going wild with praise.
The @ZachWilson to @TheCDavis84 connection is heating up. 🔥
— NFL (@NFL) August 21, 2021
📺: #NYJvsGB on @nflnetwork (or check local listings)
📱: https://t.co/cpzdYUarjZ pic.twitter.com/NEQwy8tX9e
Tremendous ply by Zach Wilson to end the first quarter. He was looking to his left, but nothing was open, so he stepped right and flicked a 27-yard pass down the sidelines to Corey Davis, setting the Jets up at the Packers 16.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) August 21, 2021
Y’all see Zach Wilson though 🙏🏾
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) August 21, 2021
His first touchdown in a Jets uniform followed soon after.
I know it’s Preseason but I tried to warn y’all about how ELITE Zach Wilson is!!! Don’t mind me tho and Carry on... https://t.co/OD6EGfYLdH
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) August 21, 2021
Man the way #ZachWilson just moved his Receiver with that pass was another level!! pic.twitter.com/mhGot9HYD4
— Marcus Spears (@mspears96) August 21, 2021
Loved 3 things by @ZachWilson on TD throw
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) August 21, 2021
1-snaps his eyes to #2 in progression right-to-left-DECISIVE/REACTIONARY
2-took a little off the ball tempo wise to get up over LBs/allow TE to adjust/gather himself
3-placed ball back-shoulder to avoid bigger hit off FS
👏👏 @nyjets
.@ZachWilson to @Kroft86! Touchdown @nyjets!
— NFL (@NFL) August 21, 2021
📺: #NYJvsGB on @nflnetwork (or check local listings)
📱: https://t.co/cpzdYUarjZ pic.twitter.com/u51PcDQfi1
Zach Wilson looks poised and sharp against the Packers.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 21, 2021
In a moment of deja vu, Wilson ended his day with yet another 18-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Kroft.
The connection is HOT from @ZachWilson to @Kroft86 🔥
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 21, 2021
📺 #NYJvsGB on @nflnetwork, https://t.co/IDocpYHJpV & mobile app pic.twitter.com/bbH1OaOmie
As with all preseason highlights, everything on Saturday should be taken with a grain of salt. Wilson did all that against Packers’ backups. It doesn’t make him a sure-fire success. It doesn’t mean he’ll be able to solve all the Jets‘ problems. They’ve been through this before with other highly-rated quarterbacks.
Still, it’s never a bad thing to see a young quarterback take hold of an offense as Wilson did. He looked comfortable. He took what was there and created when it was necessary.
If Jets fans were watching other quarterbacks like Trey Lance, Justin Fields and Mac Jones with a touch of wonder, Wilson just put the spotlight back on New York. The Jets couldn’t have asked for more of him.
Now Wilson can look forward to one more week of preseason action against the Eagles before the regular season begins.