Jets captain talks growth of QB Zach Wilson amid Aaron Rodgers' absence

New York Jets veteran linebacker and team captain C.J. Mosley insists the version of quarterback Zach Wilson who was benched multiple times last season and seemingly lost members of the locker room doesn't exist today. 

"He could have been out of the league by now," Mosley recently said about Wilson, per Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post. "There was so much stuff that could have happened, but he’s here right now, leading our team." 

Wilson disappointed with his play throughout the 2022 campaign, had to apologize to teammates for his lack of accountability following an awful performance against the New England Patriots and was supposed to spend the majority of this season learning as New York's primary backup behind future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. The situation changed when Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1, and Wilson did well to put three straight losses out of his memory before he helped the Jets improve to 3-3 ahead of their Week 7 bye and Sunday's game against the 2-5 New York Giants. 

Statistically speaking, Wilson hasn't consistently produced at a level capable of guiding a once hoped-to-be contender where it wants to go. According to ESPN stats, the 24-year-old began Wednesday ranked 29th in the NFL among qualified players with a 36.9 adjusted QBR and 30th with a 73.4 passer rating on the season. He tossed four touchdown passes and five interceptions over the Jets' first six games. 

Nevertheless, Mosley appreciates what Wilson has offered the Rodgers-less Jets on the field and behind the scenes.

"It’s his confidence," Mosley added about Wilson. "You have to learn from your mistakes and learn from the good and the bad. Being a quarterback is hard enough. Being a quarterback for the New York Jets might add a little more to it. He came into a really tough situation with a lot of expectations. I feel like he’s been doing a really good job handling it."

As of Wednesday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Jets as two-and-a-half-point favorites against the Giants. One wonders if the Jets will look for an upgrade at the sport's most important position before next Tuesday's trade deadline if Wilson struggles and ultimately loses what many Gang Green fans view as a must-win start.