JETS 30 - TEXANS 6
It was the kind of performance that served as evidence as to why Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh drafted him, gave him a long leash, and every opportunity possible to be the Jets starting quarterback.
Zach Wilson finally had his best game as a Jet.
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| Zach Wilson celebrates a 30-6 win over Houston. Getty Images |
And it came days after the quarterback was embroiled in controversy over reported conversations he had inside the building about his "reluctance" to go out and play for Gang Green again fearing injury. Days after his Head Coach Robert Saleh tried to kick the story to the curb -- albeit clumsily; and Aaron Rodgers tried to blame the media.
Then a report came out Sunday saying the Jets told Wilson they would try to trade him in the off-season.
Perhaps feeling no pressure, or maybe realizing he needed to put up some good performances for other teams to look at, Wilson balled out big time.
He was deadly accurate with the football, pushed the ball down the field, and threw for his 300 yards for only the third time in his career.
Better late than never I guess.
“The second half, I thought Zach probably played the best game of his career,” coach Robert Saleh said. “I thought he was outstanding today.”
He was outstanding.
After a both teams went into the locker room with a 0-0 score, Wilson and the Jets came out for the second half on fire. He played like a man determined to showcase his true talent.
He completed his first three passes of the third quarter to move the Jets to the Texans' 38 yard line. Three plays later, he connected with Garret Wilson on a beautiful deep ball for a 25-yard gain. Finally, Wilson hit Randall Cobb on a crossing pattern for the touchdown.
They made that look easy. Where was that all season?
After a Houston three-and-out, Wilson was at it again. He connected with Tyler Conklin on a 24-yard gain to mid field, then kept scrambling and hit the right target as he drove the Jets down to the Houston nine-yard line. Finally, Xavier Gipson scored on a reverse to give Gang Green it's largest lead of the season at 14-0.
It was the first time all year the Jets scored on back-to-back possessions.
More impressively, Wilson bounced back from a fumble that resulted in a Houston touchdown, and led Gang Green on its third touchdown drive of the day. He locked in on Breece Hall, and the duo chewed up the Texans.
A 27-yard screen pass to Hall set the Jets up pretty at the Houston 35. A few plays later, Wilson hit Breece Hall again for three yard touchdown to blow the game wide open at 21-6.
Wherever this Zach Wilson was, the Jets were happy to see him. Perhaps the benching did him so good. If it is indeed true the two sides will part ways this spring -- which is for the better -- perhaps a solid finish down the stretch for Wilson can fetch the Jets some good draft compensation.
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