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 and failed to throw any touchdowns. The loss drops the Jets’ record to 1-2 for the season. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about Wilson’s performance and the game:
Wilson’s Struggles Continue
Since replacing Aaron Rodgers after the Jets’ first offensive drive of the season, Wilson has struggled to find consistency. In three games, he has thrown for 438 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions. Against the Patriots, Wilson was unable to lead the Jets to a comeback victory, as he took a sack in his own end zone for a safety with just 2:19 left in the game.
Patriots’ Defensive Scheme
The Patriots’ head coach, Bill Belichick, employed a defensive scheme aimed at stopping the Jets’ running game and forcing Wilson to beat them through the air. Belichick used his base defense, despite the league’s trend towards schemes with two high safeties. His strategy paid off, as the Jets struggled to move the ball consistently with their passing game.
Clean-Up Needed for Patriots
Although the Patriots secured their first win of the season, there are areas they need to address. The offense was sloppy, the defense allowed a long touchdown drive, and special teams had some issues with a bad punt and missed field goals. However, these issues are easier to address after a victory.
Key Stats
One concerning stat for Wilson is that he hasn’t finished a game with more touchdowns than interceptions since November 6, 2022. This highlights his struggles in taking care of the football. Additionally, the Jets didn’t have a single snap within the red zone until there were less than seven minutes remaining in regulation.
Looking Ahead
The Jets will need to find a way to support Wilson and help him improve his performance. It’s still early in the season, and there is time for adjustments and growth. However, the team needs to address their offensive struggles and find ways to generate more scoring opportunities.
In conclusion, Zach Wilson’s struggles continued as the New York Jets fell to the New England Patriots. Wilson’s performance was lackluster, and he failed to lead the Jets to a comeback victory. The Patriots’ defensive scheme effectively shut down the Jets’ running game and forced Wilson to carry the offense. Although the Patriots secured their first win of the season, there are areas they need to clean up. Wilson’s inability to finish games with more touchdowns than interceptions is a concerning trend. The Jets will need to address their offensive struggles moving forward and find ways to support their young quarterback.