It didn’t look like this last year. It didn’t look like this two years ago, either. Not even could the 2018 NFL season lay claim to such quarterback dominance in Florham Park, N.J.
What Zach Wilson did on Thursday was as impressive as anything a New York Jets quarterback put forth over the last few seasons during a practice session.
First and foremost, everything Wilson does is quick. Quick hands, quick feet, quick and sound decision-making, and a quick-release immediately stand out. He processes the play extremely quickly. He also placed the ball in perfect spots all afternoon.
Everything about Zach Wilson is quick. The way he processes everything, release, hands, feet, etc. Night and day compared to previous QB. (Yes, it’s just OTAs, but this noticeable difference is worth mentioning.) #Jets
— Jets X-Factor (@jetsxfactor) May 27, 2021
Yes, these are still OTAs. No Marcus Maye, Quinnen Williams or newcomer Carl Lawson on the field allowed Wilson to play against less-than-elite talent. And yes, when things officially go live, quarterbacking becomes a much different reality.
To ignore the positives he showcased and attributes that jump off the page, however, is to pretend all quarterbacks are created equal.
Very rarely did a football hit the ground. In 7-on-7s, it’s a great sign for an offense when the ball never touches the ground. On Thursday, Wilson’s passes may have fallen incomplete two or three times in 7-on-7s. In teams (11-on-11 without live tackling), a similar story unfolded.
The ball is never hitting the ground in 7 on 7s (once or twice) and rarely in teams—a drastic departure from last two seasons. Zach Wilson is extremely impressive in his decision making and placement. That release gives him a huge advantage. #Jets
— Jets X-Factor (@jetsxfactor) May 27, 2021
Wilson’s first pass of the team session connected with newcomer Keelan Cole on an inn-cut. A little later, he hit Braxton Berrios on another three-step drop that allowed his receiver to pick up major YAC yardage.
7 on 7, Zach Wilson hits Braxton Berrios for a 3-step YAC play. Elijah Moore is heavily involved in the spots you’d think he’d be.
Then, Wilson with another completion, this time down the sideline in a one-on-one look. Solid ball placement. #Jets
— Jets X-Factor (@jetsxfactor) May 27, 2021
Wilson even connected with a receiver down the left sideline flawlessly. Placing it over the outside shoulder against one-on-one coverage (single-high safety), Wilson’s confidence took center stage.
Granted, this was just the first day the media snagged a peek under the hood, but the kid was impressive nonetheless. He’s also aware that getting ahead of oneself isn’t a great idea in this league.
“Yeah, I think it’s really just a day at a time [mentality],” Wilson said following Thursday’s OTA session. “You know, it’s day three, you know, compared to day one, I feel like, not just me, but everybody’s playing faster, being able to react morem not necessarily thinking so much. I think that’s the hardest thing when you’re installing offenses, you know; you’re always trying to think of what coverage, what’s my assignment, what’s my split my footwork, you know, everything.”
Of course, Wilson wasn’t the only rookie on the field. Young Elijah Moore found himself in the action early.
On the second play of teams, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur called his number in the ground game. For the first time in a long time—maybe the first time since jet-motion became a necessity in the NFL—the Jets employ a weapon who can genuinely threaten the defense’s edge.
Alijah Vera-Tucker was also on the field. Although trying to assess an offensive lineman’s individual play from the practice-field sideline is nearly impossible, the five-man unit played extremely well without Mekhi Becton.
Veteran Tevin Coleman busted through the front seven on the very first play of teams. A between-the-tackles call put the offense on the winning side from the jump.
Michael Carter, Tevin Coleman and the backs. #Jets pic.twitter.com/8D0gr0UmID
— Jets X-Factor (@jetsxfactor) May 27, 2021
Tevin Coleman busts through the defense on the first play of teams.
Elijah Moore involved immediately on the ground(second play).
Zach Wilson nice completion to Keelan Cole on third play. Offense looks solid early on. #Jets
— Jets X-Factor (@jetsxfactor) May 27, 2021
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