When the New York Jets decided to select quarterback Zach Wilson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, fans were split on their expectations. Some thought he would come in and put together a strong rookie season, while others expected a slower start to his career. Wilson has definitely gotten off to a slow start in his first season in the league.
Through the first six games of his career thus far with the Jets, Wilson has completed 57.5 percent of his pass attempts for 1,168 yards, four touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He has also picked up 22 yards on the ground.
Needless to say, those are not the dominant numbers that some fans were hoping to see from Wilson. He has struggled to read defenses and make the right throws. However, it’s way too early to start labeling him a “bust” like some have started doing.
With all of that being said, should the Jets be concerned about Zach Wilson’s start to his NFL career?
Should The Jets Be Concerned About Zach Wilson?
No one can argue that Wilson has been good this season. In fact, there was some speculation that Mike White could unseat Wilson as the starter for the remainder of the season even when he was back healthy. Unfortunately for that argument, White ended up throwing four interceptions in Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills.
To answer the question, there is absolutely no reason that the Jets should be “concerned” about Wilson. It’s understandable to be disappointed with the start to his career, but even Peyton Manning played horribly in his rookie season. Wilson has still shown flashes of being a talented quarterback.
Back in Week 4 in a big win over the Tennessee Titans, Wilson completed 21 of his 34 passes for 297 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He will need to cut down the turnover issues, but his arm as a whole hasn’t looked terrible. Wilson has looked the part of a rookie quarterback.
Coupling with that, the Jets are not a good football team right now. If the immediate reaction is to blame that on a rookie quarterback, things are going in the wrong direction. Wilson was never going to come in and turn New York into a Super Bowl or playoff caliber team right off the bat.
It’s an interesting question, but one that has an extremely simple answer. The Jets should remain very patient with their rookie quarterback, get him back on the field when he’s ready, and let him continue learning and developing. He’s only 22 years old and it’s way too early to be “concerned” about him.
