Zach Wilson (and his mobility) should jump-start offense

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The return of Zach Wilson (and his mobility) should jump-start Jets' struggling offense

By Nathaniel Griffee | Last updated Sep 29, 2022 4:11 PM ET

The return of quarterback Zach Wilson from a right knee injury should bring an element to the Jets offense that it has badly lacked through three games: movement at the quarterback position.

One of the reasons that the Jets offense has struggled (producing only five touchdowns in three games) is because Joe Flacco moves as though he has lead feet. This makes it difficult for him to avoid the rush, causing him to be sacked often (nine times, tied for seventh-most in the NFL).

Worse, unable to avoid the pressure frequently allowed by an offensive line plagued by injury, Flacco often fumbles as he gets hit. The 37-year-old has already lost three fumbles this season. For comparison, Wilson lost only one all last season.

Sam Hubbard, BJ Hill, Joseph Ossai, and Trey Hendrickson rag doll the entire Jets offense line on this one.

Then, Trey Hendrickson rag dolls Joe Flacco for the strip sack.

Logan Wilson’s blitz basically doesn’t matter because the front-4 just crush the Jets’ o-line. #Bengals pic.twitter.com/NhM5Rmgili
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) September 26, 2022

Flacco's lack of mobility simplifies the job of opposing teams as they defend against the Jets. They know he can't run, so they don't need to game-plan for the possibility. For instance, linebackers can focus more attention on coverage rather than spying the quarterback or rushing the passer rather than containing.

Knowing that they only have to worry about one potential runner in the backfield rather than two, defensive players can zero-in on running backs, making it more difficult for the Jets to establish the running game. This is part of the reason why the Jets have the 26th-ranked rushing offense in terms of yards (252) and no rushing touchdowns.

The return of Wilson should open up the Jets offense. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur can now implement a more creative offensive game plan that can include quarterback roll-outs and runs.

Defenses will have to respect Wilson's running ability, hopefully allowing the second-year quarterback to showcase his improved passing attack. If they don't, Jets fans might be treated to more plays like this one from last year's game against Jacksonville:

Run, Zach Wilson. RUN

52 yards to the house!pic.twitter.com/eHzS0DnwzZ
— Jets Nation (@JetsNationCP) December 26, 2021

Nathaniel Griffee

Nathaniel Griffee is a graduate of Columbia University and the University of Richmond. A former Peace Corps Albania volunteer from Northern New Jersey, he now primarily covers the New York Jets. A long-time fan of the team, he looks to provide unique perspectives on the latest happenings.

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