Zach Wilson has had a rough 2023 season, but he had a masterful performance against the Texans on Sunday. This past Sunday was Wilson’s performance of the year (perhaps his career) in a 30- 6 rout of Houston. He threw two touchdowns with 301 yards passing and no interceptions. Even better, Wilson finished with a 117.9 passer rating.
He had a passer rating over 100 only in one other game against the Kansas City Chiefs in October. In that game, Zach Wilson threw for 245 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. For the most part, Wilson has struggled with consistency and turnovers. Despite showing some potential, he has yet to establish himself as a dependable Quarterback.
Zach Wilson Week 14 Momentum
Wilson is riding on a little high note, but it can crash and burn if he’s terrible against the Miami Dolphins. However, Zach Wilson isn’t stressing over a worst-case scenario. He was benched for Tim Boyle, who was then benched for Trevor Siemian. Despite that, he’s focusing on building on a surprisingly outstanding outing against the Texans.
Per the Associated Press, Zach Wilson said, “Now that we set the bar there, we’ve got to be able to show we can do it again. I think that’s always the thing is, hey, you did it once; now you’ve got to show us you can do it again.” After Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles in week one against the Bills, the Jets handed Wilson the demanding task of leading the team.
Head coach Robert Saleh eventually benched Wilson after ignoring demands for change. However, since his replacements didn’t improve things, Saleh returned to Zach Wilson for Week 14. The short time off allowed Wilson to be on reset mode. He returned to playing free from worry in an impressive 30-6 upset against the CJ Stroud-leading Houston Texans.
Zach Wilson’s performance was so masterful that he earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. It is fair to say that no typical NFL fan would have seen him make that milestone a month ago. With his future as the Jets starting Quarterback uncertain, Wilson will start with a bit of juice against the Dolphins in Week 15.
Zach Wilson & New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins (9-4) are seeking to cement their hopes for the No. 1 seed in the playoffs as they face Zach Wilson and the New York Jets (5-8) at Hard Rock Stadium. The Fins suffered an upset loss to the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football 28-27. It was their first defeat at home for the 2023 season. Tyreek Hill hurt his ankle early but got back in the game.
Despite throwing 240 yards, Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa didn’t throw a touchdown the entire game. The Jets bounced back with an upset to overcome a five-game skid. Zach Wilson returned under center and gave his best performance of the season. Gang Green’s defense held rookie star CJ Stroud to a season-low 91 yards.
The Jets, who have a better defense than the Titans, will seek to turn things around against their division-rival Dolphins. Zach Wilson wasn’t involved in the first meeting at Metlife on Black Friday. The Dolphins defense is a strong unit under Vin Fangio. They rank No. 9 in total defense and third-down efficiency.
On Monday night, the Dolphins held Titans RB Derrick Henry to 34 yards on 17 carries. Miami took a significant loss when Jaelan Philips suffered a season-ending injury. In three consecutive games, Miami’s corners, Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard have gotten pick-6s. However, Zach Wilson bounced back under center Sunday against the Texans.
In their first matchup on Black Friday, the Dolphins pummeled the Jets 34-13 at Metlife Stadium. Tim Boyle was under center for the Jets. He and Tagovailoa threw two interceptions, but Raheem Mostert scored two rushing touchdowns, while Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle finished with 100-yard receiving games.
Zach Wilson’s 2023 NFL Season
Wilson’s career has been filled with miscues, depth chart shambling, turnovers, and other lowlights that could drive a Quarterback out of the NFL. Zach Wilson has thrown 8 touchdowns and 7 interceptions for the season, with a 32.2 QBR and 2,245 yards. The seven interceptions, though, are an improvement from 2021, in which he threw 11 picks and seven last season.
The impressive outing against Houston has been the highlight of Wilson’s season (perhaps career) since underperformance, criticism, and benching have been marred by it. A good performance and a win against Miami could boost Wilson’s confidence in his play.
The Jets are sitting with a 5-8 record ahead of the New England Patriots (3-10), who was recently eliminated from playoff contention. The New York Jets will go on the road against the Dolphins on Sunday afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium.
Main Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
