“Zach Is a Starter”: After Week 1 Heroics From Aaron Rodgers’ Backup, Jets Teammate Backs Zach Wilson to Flourish

The New York Jets were dealt with a major blow in their Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills when star quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered an ankle injury possibly resulting in a torn Achilles’ tendon and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. However, the Jets’ backup quarterback, Zach Wilson, stepped up in a big way, leading the team to a 22-16 dramatic victory in OT. This gives a lot of the Jets squad, especially amid Rodgers’ injury update.

After the game Jets’ head coach, Robert Saleh admitted to the reporters, that things look blurry for Rodgers, but again, there is one player from the squad who believes in the team’s backup QB. The team’s Safety feels that Wilson is the guy who can step up and make the position his own.

Jets’ Safety has faith in Zach Wilson

While the Jets’ were already hit by a weather-related challenge of rains and thunderstorms, their star QB Aaron Rodgers suffered an injury.  Backup QB Zach Wilson was subbed in and he completed 14 of 21 passes for 141 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He also rushed for 29 yards. His performance earned him praise from his teammates.

After the game, the team’s Safety Jordan Whitehead released an enlightening statement, commenting on Wilson’s brilliant camp with “multiple throws”. The safety was not shy about praising his teammate. Whitehead even went on to say, “He (Wilson) shows he can run the team”.

Read More: Aaron Rodgers Injury: When Was the Last Time 39YO Star QB Got Injured On-Field in the NFL?

Jets head coach Robert Saleh while addressing the media also praised Zach Wilson, saying “Yeah, he’ll be the guy,”  as per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, when asked if he would be slotted back into the starting role. After Rodgers’ injury update, the team has seemingly vested their confidence in their backup QB.

How does Zach Wilson look for the team?

Head Coach Saleh told the New York Post “I thought he was awesome’’. In the previous season, the Jets even failed to qualify for the playoffs, collapsing at 7-10. Zach Wilson’s performance was a major boost for the Jets, who were hoping to turn things around. The injury to A-Rod could still be a major setback for the Jets with Coach Saleh stating that the status of his injury is “not good”. More clarity on the subject will be achieved after Rodgers’ MRI scans.

The Jets will need to stay healthy to make the playoffs. They have a tough schedule, but they have the talent to compete with anyone. The Jets do have a strong defense, with recent additions such as defensive end Carl Lawson and cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner. This defense should be able to keep the Jets in games, even if the offense struggles at times.

Aaron Rodgers is not only the oldest QB in the game, but he is also the oldest player in the league. Zach Wilson on the other hand is a fresh-faced 24-year-old. A top quarterback in the 2021 Draft, he was snapped by the Jets, making him their second pick overall in that draft.

He has big boots to fill, as A-Rod might be missing the entire 2023 games in the best scenario. Also, it doesn’t seem Coach Saleh wants to bolster their QBs any further. Wilson will gain much more game time as a starter with more and more opportunities to showcase his skills. We hope he fulfils them but would love to get your thoughts on the matter in the comments.

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