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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Facing the New England Patriots for the first time, New York Jets rookie Zach Wilson received his moment of welcome to the rivalry on his first assist. And his second. And his fifth. And his 10th.
The rookie quarterback was intercepted four times in his first 10 attempted passes on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, surpassing his interception tally for his entire 2020 season at BYU.
Wilson, who was selected second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, became the first Jets player in 40 years to throw interceptions on his first two assists in a game. Vinny Testaverde did so in 2000. He also became the first Jets quarterback to throw three interceptions in the first half of a game since Geno Smith in 2014.
It is a rare event in the NFL. Since the start of the 2020 season, only one other quarterback has done so – Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings. He had three against the Atlanta Falcons in week six of last season.
Wilson finished the halftime 3-for-7, 45 yards – a passer rating of 25.0.
Unlike in Week 1, Wilson enjoyed solid pass protection. On the first interception, he threw over the middle in a heavy blanket, looking for Corey Davis. Cornerback JC Jackson passed Davis to make the play.
On his second pitch, Wilson was on the move, rolling to his right and throwing high towards Davis. The ball came out of his hands and into the arms awaiting security Adrian Phillips.
The rookie appeared to calm down after two full assists, but he started again, knocking down rookie Elijah Moore. Once again, Jackson made the interception.
In the third quarter, Wilson threw his worst pass of the day, lifting a deep float that was intercepted by safety Devin McCourty. There was no planned receiver near McCourty, and Wilson was under no strain.
Of the four turnovers, Wilson was overly aggressive, looking down instead of settling for control options. Ahead of the game, Wilson said he was delighted to step up against a defense coached by Bill Belichick, saying it would be a “big challenge” with “a lot of big learning”.
There were a lot of teaching moments in the first half.
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