[ad_1]
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – After three months of preparation, New York Jets rookie quarterback Zach Wilson made his debut on Saturday night at MetLife Stadium. It was a failure.
In the Greens and Whites’ annual practice in front of a crowd of nearly 20,000, Wilson, the second pick in the draft, threw two interceptions and led the starting offense to just three points from seven possessions.
Facing the first-team defense, the alleged Jets starter completed 11 of 24 passes for 112 yards during the two-hour session. There were no live tackles, but it was a simulated game.
“The biggest learning leap for him was that it was under the lights, there was a bigger crowd,” said coach Robert Saleh. “It wasn’t necessarily a more important moment, because you want them all to be the same, but I’m sure the young man wanted to do his best. There’s a lot he can get out of that. here, and it will be great to watch him grow up from that. “
Wilson wasn’t happy, but insisted it had nothing to do with nerves.
“Not great,” he said of his night. “I have high expectations for myself and this attack. I have to lead the guys and I have to make better decisions. That’s why it’s not Game 1; that’s why we are doing this. understand that. Of course I’m ‘I’m going to be frustrated with myself, but I go back to the movie theater and find out what I can learn. “
It’s all a learning experience for Wilson, a former BYU star. After eight practices with offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur next to him on the field, the Jets created a game-like situation by putting LaFleur in the booth. Instead of LaFleur, the voice in Wilson’s ear was quarterbacks coach Rob Calabrese, who relayed the call from the sideline.
“There was no one to turn to to talk to him,” Saleh said. “To live this experience and be able to go through everything, these moments are priceless for him. He had good times and, obviously, he had moments of rookie.”
The Jets have a new coaching staff, a new offensive system and a lot of new players, so there are bound to be growing pains.
Wilson’s offense generated only a first try in his first four possessions. In the fifth series, he was sacked by defensive end John Franklin-Myers and was intercepted by nickel halfway Javelin Guidry in the next game. Wilson missed the shot on a seam route towards wide receiver Jamison Crowder.
The second team offense was supposed to come in, on a rotation basis, but Saleh stayed with Wilson. He responded with a 13-game practice that resulted in a field goal. His best shot was a close window finish to wide receiver Jeff Smith for 16 yards.
They concluded the practice with a two-minute ride. Wilson hit the opponents’ 37-yard line, but on a fourth and a 9, he tried to pass Crowder. He was deflected and intercepted by linebacker CJ Mosley.
New York crowds can be harsh, but there were no boos. The fans seemed united.
“It’s part of the process,” Wilson said. “We’re all learning. I have to make better decisions, but I know I can learn from it all. That’s why we do this kind of thing.”
[ad_2]
Source link