After the former Green Bay Packers legendary star Aaron Rodgers took over the starting position in the New York Jets, the hope of becoming the Jets’ QB1 has taken a major hit for Zach Wilson. Wilson once said he would make the new quarterback’s life hell, albeit his own life seems to have plunged into an inferno instead.
Except for losing the starting spot, Rodgers’ arrival actually turned out to be potentially beneficial for the promising star. Robert Saleh has already anticipated that Zach is going to develop more in the shadow of their new member and recently after his outstanding performance against the Carolina Panthers in the preseason games, the initial expectations seem to be coming true.
Aaron Rodgers backup Zach Wilson powers Jets to preseason win
Wilson played the entire first half of the Jets’ 27-0 preseason and recorded 14 of 20 passes for 123 yards as well as a touchdown while completing 70% of his throws with a 102.7 quarterback rating. His 12 completions out of 14 went to both running backs and tight ends.
NFL insider Dov Kleiman shared a snap of the signal-callers touchdown from the match stating how Rodgers is having a positive impact on his backup’s performance on the field.
Aaron Rodgers is already having an impact on Zach Wilson's development.pic.twitter.com/HwKp5zoZKB
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 12, 2023
Saleh heaped praise on the 24-year-old star following the game saying the quarterback has already started to take big steps.
“I thought he was poised, ran the offense. We played a lot of our starters on offense. I thought he did a really, really nice job. We ran the ball well. He had three scoring drives. He was efficient. Last drive at the end of the half, he was in total control of the offense in a bleed situation to make sure that we finished the half with the ball. I’m really pumped for him. He’s taking great steps.”
Amid numerous starstruck moments in the first episode of the HBO’s documentary series ‘Hard Knocks’, one notable scene saw the four-time MVP and the former BYU quarterback’s relationship as A-Rod was seen teaching several lessons to Zach as they went through different drills on the field. These lessons might have worked as a booster for the young star.
NFL fans credit Rodgers for Wilson’s development
Rodgers has been playing in the NFL for almost two decades. During this tenure, the 39-year-old veteran earned a huge fan following with the Green Bay Packers, and with the Jets now, it still remains sizable.
After seeing Wilson suffering on the field for the last two years, New York’s fans had high hopes that Aaron might provide a helping hand to the signal-caller before he again become a starter for the Jets. With his outstanding performance against the Panthers, many fans said the 10-time Pro-Bowler is providing the best mentorship to his understudy.
One fan wrote,” Aaron is the best coach, Zach can ever ask for.”
Aaron is the best coach, Zach can ever ask for.
— FADDE (@fadde) August 12, 2023
Another netizen wrote it is the best thing that happened with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft.
Probably the best thing to happen for his career.
— Maine (@lowkey_Maine) August 13, 2023
While many fans were saying it was a normal throw and the ex-Packers star had nothing to do with that, one fan said Wilson’s throw actually replicates A-Rod’s technique.
People really think the post is hyping up the throw.. if you don’t see the rodgers technique idk y’all are casuals.
— Nemmii (@Yaboynemipt2) August 12, 2023
The Jets are only a few days away from heading to the regular season. It remains to be seen how Rodgers’ new journey will unfold in Big Apple and how Wilson will prepare himself being an understudy of the veteran.
