The Green Bay Packers have been a constant playoff and Super Bowl contender for the final 15 years principally due to the play of Aaron Rodgers.
But throughout Sunday’s matchup, it’s the Jets quarterback trying to make an announcement of his personal in a hostile surroundings.
In the 40-17 thrashing of the Miami Dolphins final weekend, Zach Wilson had arguably considered one of his best video games in a Jets uniform. He accomplished 14 of 21 passes for 210 yards and recorded a dashing landing.
“He’s totally invested in doing what’s best for the Jets,” offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur mentioned. “That’s no completely different from final 12 months and his mindset, he’s simply extra snug, extra snug with the league, the pace of it, extra snug with the offense, his teammates.
“He went in that very same mindset within the fourth quarter in opposition to the Steelers. I don’t assume he put anybody on his again. He executed and threw to open receivers and receivers did an amazing job of getting separation, significantly within the fourth quarter in opposition to the Steelers.
“I thought he played good quarterback in that fourth quarter and that carried over in this last game. He did a lot of good things.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Wilson is the highest-graded quarterback from the 2021 draft class this season. He at the moment has a PFF grade of 77.4.
Last season, when he threw 9 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, Wilson tried to place the staff on his again, which typically led to poor decision-making and turnovers.
A 12 months later, Wilson is taking what the protection has given him in the course of the two video games since his return from his bone bruise and meniscus accidents whereas placing Gang Green in positions to win the sport when it counts in the course of the fourth quarter.
In his final 5 quarters of soccer, Wilson has handed 338 yards and thrown for a landing whereas additionally operating for one in victories over the Steelers and the Dolphins.
“I think I’m getting more comfortable,” Wilson mentioned. “Just having the ability to see the sphere, be calm going via reads and making selections and throws.
“It was very two completely different video games with how the video games have been going and my decision-making and the way the run sport was going effectively for us. It was nearly us actually having management and that was the last word staff win final week.
“As a quarterback, it does make your job a lot easier.”
Wilson will look to proceed to construct upon his younger resume and make an announcement in opposition to arguably the most effective quarterback within the NFL Sunday. Last 12 months in the course of the preseason, when the Jets had a joint follow collectively, Wilson mentioned he was a “big fanboy” of Rodgers as the 2 chatted and acquired to know one another.
The two remained in touch with both different a few weeks after the preseason contest earlier than the beginning of the 2021 season. Wilson was 9 when Rodgers grew to become the Packers beginning quarterback full-time in 2008. Now he hopes to beat his idol on the highway in a important sport for each the Jets and the Packers.
With a win, the Green and White would enhance to 4-2 and present the tv viewers that they need to be taken critically as playoff contenders. Green Bay can also be trying to go to 4-2 as its one sport behind the Minnesota Vikings for the NFC North lead and can doubtless be in a not-so-pleasant temper after shedding 27-22 to the Giants in London final weekend.
“It is really cool,” Wilson mentioned concerning the matchup in opposition to Rodgers and the Packers. “Being on the identical subject is cool.
“It was the identical factor like once we performed Tampa Bay and it was like, ‘wow, I’m enjoying in opposition to Tom Brady proper now,’ and I’ve watched this man since I used to be like 4, which is form of loopy. I’m certain it will likely be the identical sort of factor on this sport.
GARDNER WINS ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Another week, one other Jets participant profitable the NFL Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week award.
This time, cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner gained the Rookie of the Week Award after serving to the Jets cruise previous the Dolphins final weekend. First, it was Gardner’s blitz on Teddy Bridgewater on the primary Dolphins offensive possession that prompted an intentional grounding penalty and a security.
Then within the second quarter, Gardner caught the primary interception of his profession on Skylar Thompson as he got here in after Bridgewater suffered an harm. In the victory, Gardner recorded three tackles, an interception and a cross breakup.
Gardner is the third Jets participant to win the Rookie of the Week Award. Garrett Wilson gained after registering eight catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns within the 31-30 victory in opposition to the Browns in Week 2. Breece Hall additionally claimed the award after dashing for 66 yards and a landing within the 24-20 win over the Steelers in Week 4.
JOHNSON MISSES SECOND STRAIGHT PRACTICE
Jets defensive finish Jermaine Johnson as soon as once more missed follow after struggling an ankle harm within the win over the Dolphins Sunday. He additionally didn’t follow on Wednesday because it appears unlikely he’ll play in opposition to the Packers.
Defensive finish Carl Lawson (ankle) and linebacker C.J. Mosley (hip) each absolutely practiced after every was restricted Wednesday. Tackle Duane Brown (shoulder) and linebacker Quincy Williams (ankle) practiced on a restricted foundation.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com