JETS 23 - PACKERS 14
Zach Wilson took a major step forward in his development with a very solid effort against the Green Bay Packers, Saturday in New York's 23-14 victory.
Wilson was efficient and accurate once again for Gang Green, completing nine of 11 passes for 128 yards, two touchdowns and a perfect quarterback rating of 154.7. It was exactly what the Jets had hoped for from Wilson as opening day is a little over three weeks away.
In a week where the Jets have been hit by negative headlines, particularly on the injury front with regards to the season ending loss to Carl Lawson, Wilson's effort was one of a few positive takeaways for the Jets on Saturday.
One thing that became very apparent was the connection that Wilson is developing with veteran receiver Corey Davis. Davis caught four passes for 70 yards from Wilson, including a huge 24-yard completion on third and eight on a drive that led to a Jets field goal.
However it was the two touchdowns drives that really stood out for Wilson and the Jets offense.
With the Jets trailing 7-3 Wilson hit Davis for a 27-yard completion down the sideline that spotted the ball inside the Packers 16 as the first quarter ended. Three plays later, Wilson found Tyler Kroft in the end zone for the touchdown to give the Jets the lead at 10-7.
What's more impressive was the Jets ability to respond to adversity. After Green Bay quickly scored to retake the lead 14-10, Wilson engineered a three-play, 30-yard scoring drive, assisted by a 73-yard return by Corey Ballentine on the kickoff.
Wilson again found Kroft, this time on a rollout for the scoop and score to put the Jets back in front 17-14.
New York would never look back.
Aside from Wilson's stellar night, you had to love the fact the tight end position got heavily involved in the game, Kroft had the two scores and Trevon Wesco had a catch for 17-yards.
Left Tackle Mekhi Becton had a good game for New York. He was called out a bit by offensive coordinator Mike LeFlure earlier in the week, who pointed out that Becton had been struggling in camp this summer. Becton did a nice job in pass protection and was a big reason for the Jet success.
Moreover, Jets special teams was, well, special. Not only did Ballentine's kick return set the Jets up with a touchdown, kicker Matt Ammendola was impressive, connecting on field goals from 46 and 54-yards, respectively.
The glaring issues from Saturday's win were two fold: 1) the injuries were a major problem once again. They have been a problem all week since the Jets were out there in Green Bay. On Saturday the Jets lost Jarred Davis (ankle), back-up quarterback Matt White (ribs), offensive tackle Connor McDermott to a knee injury, and defensive end Ronnie Blair to a hamstring. This after the jets lost two players for the season earlier this week. Gang Green can't afford any more injuries that is for sure.
The other issue was the Jets defense, which got carved up in the first half by third stringers and back-ups for the Packers. Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love didn't play in this game. Yet, Kurt Benkert found open guys all over the field, while Patrick Taylor and Kylin Hill were gashing the Jets front seven for huge chunks of yards.
To say not having Lawson out there, as well as a number of other starters was an issue would be an understatement.
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