After kicking off the season with a sweet dream featuring their second Super Bowl, Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending injury soon let the New York Jets wake up from the dream. It led the Gang Green to fill their starter shoes with their second-string quarterback, Zach Wilson.
While Rodgers is quickly recovering, Wilson is also in his way of gaining the trust of his team, though at first he was regarded as an unworthy one for the job. Because of Wilson’s significantly improved prowess from last season, he recently received a nod from the team’s head coach, Robert Saleh.
Zach Wilson earns high praise from Robert Saleh
Aaron’s Achilles injury was a huge nightmare for the Jets, as they were not apparently ready to give their starter job to anyone without him. The Jets expected to bench Zach for at least this season, letting him improve his performances and seeing the 18-year-old’s veteran on the field.
Though all their tricks failed, the team’s head coach still sees it as good for them, as per First Sportz. While no one sees any potential in Zach, Saleh presents their second-year quarterback as a future leader of their offense in spite of the adversity he is facing.
“I think Zach Wilson is a different guy, period. I don’t think you can shake Zach. He’s been through so much, I think he’s seen the worst of the worst. There’s nothing that will get him off this train that he’s on right now. Is he where he wants to be? No. Is he going where he knows he can go? I think so, and I think he’s got that confidence.”
In all the Jets’ wins so far, their defensive lineup has played a crucial role in helping the offense score. Saleh acknowledged this while saying that Wilson’s attitude appeared to have improved significantly.
“He knows we’re freaking close on offense, and he’s got so much confidence. I was going through some plays with him this morning, and he knows it. Things he can do better, things that his teammates can do better, he’s recognizing it and holding himself accountable and starting to look inward.”
After six games this season, the Jet’s player tossed 1,097 yards, 4 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, much improved from last season. Hence, Saleh concluded his statement by expressing high hopes for Wilson this season.
Richard Sherman expresses astonishment at Rodgers’ quick recovery
The former Green Bay Packers player has already been ruled out for the season, putting the Jets’ offense in peril after only four snaps in New York. Surprisingly, most players spend six weeks in a boot after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury, but A-rod was in a shoe in as little as 13 days, as the player recently stated in “Pat MacAfee” programs, from which he supposedly gets a large chunk of money.
Recently, before the Jets’ upset win over the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers, the 39-year-old was spotted throwing the ball on the field. Like the whole NFL world, former star cornerback Richard Sherman is also astounded by the Jet’s hero’s rapid recovery.
Sherman expressed his surprise after watching Rodgers take part in limited football activities just six weeks after surgery, as the former athlete himself was once a victim of the condition but could not move without a scooter six weeks later.
“I have never seen nothing like it. I…at six weeks after surgery, I was still on a scooter. I was not throwing, playing catch or anything,” he said in a video shared by “The volume” in X.
Sherman regarded Rodger’s quick recovery process as a good sign for the Jets, as they are still suffering many setbacks regarding their offense. He also provided heads-up to the team for snatching two victories in a row.
“It’s definitely encouraging, and I’m sure his teammates are seeing it and finding some encouragement. I don’t know if he’s doing that on purpose, but man he’s giving these guys hope and they are giving the Jets fans a lot of hope. J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, JETS. Two wins in a row, heading into the bye. Feeling good.”
Nevertheless, after his season-ending injury, Sherman was able to take his spot again on the field, but he lost his level of productivity. The case regarding Rodgers will now remain to be seen.
