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Jets head coach Robert Saleh said rookie signalman Zach Wilson’s goals for this afternoon’s second preseason game at legendary Lambeau Field against the Packers weren’t too complicated.
“It’s like before,” Saleh said. “Rack up the good plays, rack up the good days, take what the defense gives you and just play the quarterback. “
That’s exactly what Wilson did, as he compiled 29 minutes of calm, cool, efficient and efficient work in the first half to lead the Jets to a 17-14 halftime advantage over the Pack.
“I had a blast,” Wilson said, not referring to his 1-on-1 with Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, but to his next competitive stop en route to the NFL regular season. “It was just another day to be able to come out here and have live looks and feel that stadium feeling. I had fun doing the whole process again.”
The fun translated into Wilson’s best performance and best statistical line to date. He produced three scores, 17 points overall, on his four records, all within the opening 29 minutes of the first half. He completed nine of 11 passes for 128 yards, two touchdowns, both to TE Tyler Kroft, no INTs, no sacks and a crackling score of 154.7.
“I thought Zach had good command, he was in control, he handled pressure well, he was good in and out of the caucus,” Saleh said after his Jets went 2-0 in preseason with a pair of wins on the road. “He’s been following his progress and he’s been pretty good at it. “
The day started in sunny Wisconsin mid-afternoon as Wilson pulled off three of his first four runs in the visitors’ opening practice. The big connection was a third and 8 laser to WR Corey Davis, who then continued after the catch for a 24-yard gain.
He maintained his first simpatico relationship on his next possession with Davis, hitting him with a 5-yard pass on the first down, then easily threw a flat pitch to WR Jeff Smith for 6 yards and a first down. These were his only shots in his second heat which ended with a third and a run in midfield.
The Jets’ third practice started at their 35 with 1:38 left in the opening frame. Wilson followed an 8-yard run to the left of Tevin Coleman with a play pitch for Davis to the right, but the pitch was low and incomplete, possibly his worst throw of the day. But on the third and third, he converted again, and again at Davis, for 14 yards.
Another stat from Zach: That achievement on the third down and the first 24 yards took Wilson to 5 of 7 for 66 yards and four conversions on his pass on the third down.
But no time for high fives there. Wilson stepped back, then a little further, before finding, once again, Davis waiting alone at the back of the straight sideline. The 27 yard yardstick was Wilson’s longest and Davis’ longest reception as a Jets and set the stage for the start of the second quarter – and Wilson’s first touchdown pass as a pro. Facing a second and 12 from the GB-18, he fell back and, again with good protection, lifted the ball for TE Tyler Kroft.
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