The New York Jets looked like a totally different team on Sunday afternoon when they hosted the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium. In the days leading up to the game, things were as dysfunctional as they have ever been for Gang Green, as reports surfaced about their quarterback position.
They wanted to turn things back over to Zach Wilson, but he was hesitant to start again, citing health concerns. Eventually, everyone was able to get back on the same page and Wilson turned in the best performance of his professional career.
After playing to a 0-0 tie in the first half, the Jets went on a tear in the second half, winning the game 30-6. Wilson finished the game with 301 passing yards, completing 27-of-36 passes with two touchdowns and zero interceptions; he did turn the ball over once, fumbling in the third quarter.
NFL News & Rumors: Zach Wilson, 2024 NFL Draft, New York Jets Updates
The performance was even more impressive when taking into account how little the ground game helped. The Jets ran the ball 26 times but gained only 79 yards. Garrett Wilson led the way with nine receptions for 108 yards and running back Breece Hall added eight receptions for 86 yards.
The Jets now have a record of 5-8 on the season and a slight glimmer of hope to finish over .500 and earn a playoff spot. That, in part, is what makes them such an intriguing team, in the opinion of ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst, Mel Kiper Jr.
“I have my eye on the Jets, who have lost five games in a row and look like a lock to draft in the top 10. If they pick in the 5-to-7 range, they would be prime candidates to take one of the elite tackles. Offensive line is a massive need for them, especially with Aaron Rodgers back under center next season. And remember, they traded away their second-round pick in order to get Rodgers, so they’d get only one shot at a premier prospect,” Kiper wrote.
NFL News & Rumors: Zach Wilson, 2024 NFL Draft, New York Jets Updates
Was the performance against the Texans a fluke, or is this a sign of the Jets turning the corner? We will have a chance to see in Week 15 when they face the Miami Dolphins, who are looking to win the AFC East for the first time since the 2008 season.
The Jets are a team that a lot of people are going to be keeping an eye on as a lot could change between now and the end of the regular season. If quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues pushing to get back on the field, their entire outlook with him on the field will change their draft prospects as well.
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