Jets star, coach discuss mindset of QB Zach Wilson

New York Jets star wide receiver Garrett Wilson revealed shortly after Sunday's 30-6 home win over the Houston Texans that he contacted quarterback Zach Wilson not long after it was reported that the second overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft was reluctant to resume his starting duties. 

"I reached out to him as soon as I saw the report, just letting him know that I have his back no matter what," Garrett Wilson said about Zach Wilson while speaking with NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. "And I’m sure I wasn’t the only one. What I saw from him today is just going out there, just spinning it, just playing. That’s the thing, he just wanted to go out there and say, 'I got nothing to worry about. They’ve benched me before, all these things played into it, so let me just go out there and play my game, let it spin and then see where it puts me.' He did a great job of that today." 

Zach Wilson spent the previous two games as a spectator before last Monday's report emerged. He, head coach Robert Saleh and Jets players did all they could to pour cold water over any potential controversy, and the QB then completed 27-of-36 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns against Houston. While the signal-caller also lost a second-half fumble, that didn't torpedo his confidence at MetLife Stadium. 

Garrett Wilson told Breer that Zach Wilson embraced an "F--- it" mentality before the weekend. Saleh echoed that phrase during a chat with Breer. 

"Just let it rip," Saleh added about the QB. "I mean, giving 50-50 ops to Garrett, giving one to [tight end Tyler Conklin]. All scheduled, in rhythm, nothing forced. It was by far the best game of his career because he pieced it all together, even extending time in the pocket, scrambling, running. I know he fumbled the one. But he was awesome." 

Injured Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers reportedly could play in the home game against the Washington Commanders (4-9) on Christmas Eve depending on what happens when 5-8 Gang Green faces the Miami Dolphins (9-3) at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium Sunday. Saleh hinted to Breer that Zach Wilson won't relinquish the starting job with a smile on his face if Rodgers attempts to return from the torn Achilles this year. 

"What I know is that Zach was excited and wanted the ball," Saleh insisted. "And I sensed he was going to play well with the way he approached it on Monday, before my press conference, before I even made a decision. I didn’t make a decision until later, but he said basically, 'I want the ball,' and he was adamant about it. It was just the kickstart to an unbelievable week for him." 

Some will say Zach Wilson should remain in the lineup regardless of what happens in Miami considering the ESPN Football Power Index gives the Jets a 0.4% chance to make the playoffs. Wilson can't afford to think about Rodgers' possible return as Gang Green prepares to face a Miami team that is attempting to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC.