New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson continued to struggle in the team’s 15-10 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday. Wilson finished the game with 157 yards on 18-of-36 passing with no touchdowns. The Jets had a chance to tie or take the lead with less than three minutes to play, but Wilson took a sack in his own end zone for a safety, sealing the victory for the Patriots.
Since replacing Aaron Rodgers after the Jets’ first offensive drive of the season, Wilson has thrown for 438 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions. In contrast, Patriots quarterback Mac Jones finished the game with 201 yards and a touchdown.
The Patriots outgained the Jets 358 yards to 171 in total offense. The game showcased New England head coach Bill Belichick’s defensive scheme, which focused on stopping the run and forcing Wilson to beat them through the air. Belichick used his base defense and employed a single high safety, daring Wilson to make plays in the rainy conditions. Unfortunately for the Jets, Wilson was unable to consistently move the ball, proving Belichick’s strategy effective.
Despite the loss, there were positives for the Patriots to take away from the game. The offense was sloppy, and the defense allowed a late touchdown drive, but they were able to secure their first win of the season. The team will need to address these issues moving forward.
On the other hand, the Jets once again found themselves in a familiar situation. The defense performed admirably, holding the Patriots to just 15 points. However, Wilson struggled to generate any offense for most of the game. The Jets appeared hesitant to call passing plays, making it easy for the Patriots to anticipate their run-heavy approach. Wilson completed just 17 of 33 passes for 128 yards and no touchdowns. The Jets’ running game was also ineffective, gaining only 38 yards on 22 carries.
The most disappointing moment came when the Jets had a chance to stage a comeback. With 1:43 remaining and the ball at their own 45-yard line, Wilson failed to complete any of his next three passes. On fourth down, he threw a short pass that fell well short of the first-down marker, effectively ending the Jets’ hopes of victory. At this point, it may be necessary for the Jets to consider signing a veteran quarterback or benching Wilson in favor of backup Tim Boyle.
One key statistic highlights Wilson’s struggles. He hasn’t finished a game with more touchdowns than interceptions since November 6, 2022. Additionally, the Jets didn’t have a single snap within the red zone until there were fewer than seven minutes left in regulation.
In conclusion, Zach Wilson’s struggles continued as the New York Jets fell to the New England Patriots. Bill Belichick’s defensive scheme effectively shut down the Jets’ offense, forcing Wilson to make plays in unfavorable conditions. The Jets’ defense performed admirably, but their lack of offensive production ultimately cost them the game. It may be time for the Jets to explore other options at quarterback if they hope to turn their season around.