How Aaron Rodgers helped Zach Wilson, Jets vs. Chiefs

It appears quarterback Aaron Rodgers simply being back around the New York Jets helped understudy Zach Wilson produce a positive performance in this past Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. 

"I asked around with some Jets people about the idea that Rodgers' return to the team last weekend might have helped Zach Wilson, and the answer was basically that Rodgers' presence has a 'calming effect' on the whole team," ESPN's Dan Graziano explained for a piece published Wednesday. "Rodgers wasn't in Wilson's ear on game day or in any meetings with him leading up to the game, but the sense was that Rodgers being back helped everybody feel better and play better against the Chiefs." 

Wilson may have been the worst overall quarterback in the NFL across his first two starts that occurred after Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles in Week 1, but the future Hall of Famer rejoined the Jets for the first time since his injury last week and addressed the team on Saturday night.

It's known Rodgers and Wilson grew close over the spring and summer months, and the 39-year-old said during a Tuesday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" he was "proud" of how the 2021 first-round draft pick played against the Chiefs and "of the leadership that he showed." 

Wilson completed 28-of-39 passes for 245 yards with two touchdowns, no interceptions and one costly turnover versus Kansas City. 

"Wilson's confident outing Sunday night was a combination of the Jets' game-planning and Wilson's operation of the overall offensive attack," Jeremy Fowler of ESPN added. "That's what one person with the team stressed to me -- he was running the offense with command, which leads to confidence. The Jets helped him with more first-down throws, play-action/movement and the use of three tight ends." 

That's all well and good, but nobody associated with the Jets should feel the club has a new franchise savior at the sport's most important position after just four quarters. ESPN stats show Wilson begins Week 5 ranked 26th in the NFL among qualified players with a 38.6 adjusted QBR and 32nd with a 72.3 passer rating on the season. 

Wilson next plays at a 1-3 Denver Broncos side this Sunday that is responsible for the 31st-ranked passing defense in the league (285.5 yards allowed per game), so he theoretically should take additional steps in the right direction unless he regresses following a fumble that left him distraught on Sunday night.