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Zach Wilson Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK

Five reasons the New York Jets are in good hands with QB Zach Wilson

By Matthew Neschis | Last updated 9/15/23

The future of the New York Jets once again rests on the shoulders of quarterback Zach Wilson, who played poorly in his first two seasons in the Big Apple. This time around, the unproven QB seems up for the challenge.

Here are five reasons to expect a better performance from Wilson as the Jets — who play at the Cowboys in Week 2 — look to make a Super Bowl run:

He has learned and developed under Aaron Rodgers

The Jets planned on having Wilson sit for the entire season behind one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Plans inevitably change, as the season-ending Achilles injury Rodgers suffered Monday night has thrust the 24-year-old back into the starting role.

Don't overlook the immense impact Rodgers has had — and will continue to have — on Wilson. The pair developed a close relationship over the offseason and training camp, with the veteran taking the unproven young player under his wing. After spending so much time around a four-time MVP, some of his greatness is bound to rub off.

"I feel like I've been trying to copy every little thing he's doing, from his footwork to the coaching tips he has given us," Wilson said Thursday, per ESPN. "He's done an amazing job, more than we could ask for as quarterbacks."

Rodgers will likely remain integral in Wilson's development, reportedly even running through plays with him despite just suffering a traumatic injury.

Was told this morning Aaron Rodgers was in the playbook yesterday with Zach. He's present. And will remain so.
— Brandon Tierney (@BrandonTierney) September 14, 2023

He has an experienced offensive coordinator

New York hired OC Nathaniel Hackett because of his tight-knit bond with Rodgers, but it seems he has developed a similarly strong relationship with Wilson.

"He’s goofy, he’s awesome," Wilson said of Hackett, per The Athletic. "We have so much love and I’ve really enjoyed working with him."

Wilson was thrown into the deep end alongside inexperienced OC Mike LaFleur to begin his NFL career. The two never developed a great relationship, with the latter being fired after two seasons.

Now under the tutelage of Hackett, who has experience drawing the best out of underperforming quarterbacks — namely Blake Bortles in 2017 — Wilson is in far better hands.

He has the full support of his teammates

Wilson's struggles last season created a rift in the Jets locker room, with several players adamantly advocating for a change at quarterback. This season, Gang Green is wholeheartedly behind its starting QB.

Whether it was praising him during news conferences this week or coaching him up on the sideline after a touchdown pass in Week 1, Wilson's teammates seem determined to build him up, not break him down.

Watch how @ZachWilson's teammates support him on the sidelines after his touchdown pass. @nyjets | @NFLFilms pic.twitter.com/XU5s05Z4hU
— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2023

He understands his role

Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was once seen as the savior of the franchise. Now in his third season, that role has changed.

Wilson is no longer expected to make the flashy plays and highlight-reel throws he consistently displayed at BYU. He has plenty of offensive weapons at his disposal and New York has one of the NFL's best defenses. As long as Wilson keeps turnovers to a minimum, the Jets are poised for success.

He is having fun again

On the heels of a disastrous season, Wilson admitted this offseason "things felt like they were getting worse each week" and his "confidence was going down." After a strong preseason and a 1-0 start, it seems his spirits are back up.

The pressure from last season undeniably took a toll on Wilson, but a strong supporting cast around the quarterback will help ease the demanding expectations placed upon him.

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