The Zach Wilson hype machine is hard to believe
Break out some salt for this column, Jets supporters, because whats to follow may require a grain or two sprinkled over it.
Zach Wilson has been absolutely killing it in practice this week.
Been slinging the ball all over the field. Smiling. Joking with his teammates. Having more fun than hes had in his three seasons with team that have included three benchings, more losses (20) than wins (11) and more interceptions (25) than touchdown passes (21).
This report comes from his offensive teammates with whom The Post spoke after Thursdays practice in preparation for Sundays game against the Texans at MetLife Stadium.
The player feedback on Wilsons third career comeback from being benched was so unanimously positive it left me to wonder how the Jets arent going to score as many points against the Texans as the 45 theyve produced in the past five games (all losses).
I think youre going to see a good version of Zach Wilson in these next five games, tight end Tyler Conklin said. He was throwing the ball really well today. He made some good reads, had a couple nice no-look passes.
Conklin is one of the most accountable players in the Jets locker room, and he made it his point to say that the offenses struggles (10 total touchdowns in 12 games this season) should not rest entirely on the shoulders of Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft.
Zach Wilson at the Jets practice in Florham Park, New Jersey. Bill Kostroun/New York PostConklin, too, was one of a number of players we spoke to who left the clear impression that the players remain behind Wilson, that he hasnt lost the respect of the locker room despite the Monday report that he was reluctant to return to the field a report Wilson vehemently denied Wednesday.
If anything, it felt like the players inside the locker room were doubling down on their support of Wilson. Unless these players are excellent actors or future politicians, the vibe inside that room was of one of players outwardly rooting for Wilson to succeed.
The offense has been struggling, but weve struggled as a collective, Conklin said. I think Zach has actually this year been playing a ton better than he did last year. But as a collective unit, we havent been very good and it all just fell on him.
The best part about it is he has five games to go out there and let it loose, be as relaxed as possible. The worst has already happened for him. Hes had a tough go for three years. So, he just has to go out there and let it go. Im happy hes getting another chance to go out there and play.
Conklin is not alone with those thoughts.
see also
Jets push back on report Zach Wilson hesitant to start again: ‘Wants the ball’
Hes got nothing to lose, tackle Max Mitchell said. Hes out here playing for himself, playing for us.
On Wednesday, Wilson said his mantra for these final five games almost certainly the final five hell play in a Jets uniform was to have fun.
This being his second or third chance at coming back like this after being benched, hes like forgive my French but, You know what? F–k it. Lets just do it. Lets just prove a point. Hes got nothing to lose, so hes out there trying prove to the organization and us that hes who he is hes our QB1.
Like Conklin and some other teammates, Mitchell has seen a different Wilson in practice this week.
At the beginning of the week when he started taking first-team reps again, it felt a little different, Mitchell said. He had some really good throws today. On a couple of them, I kind of looked around and was like, Wow, those were pretty damn good throws. He just looked good.
Receiver Allen Lazard concurred.
The Jets have given nothing but confidence towards Zach Wilson’s third career comeback on Sunday against the Texans. Bill Kostroun/New York PostHe seems way more relaxed and loose since being benched, understanding that hes only got a few weeks here left so go and make the most of it, Lazard said.
Hes had a hell of a week of practice, turning it loose, having fun, putting us in the best position to succeed making checks, running back Dalvin Cook said. He was playing ball, having fun. Were all just having fun. Weve got nothing to lose at this point. Were going to shoot our bullets. I feel like thats everyones mindset right now.
Guard Laken Tomlinson described Wilson as fired up this week and said, His energy is contagious. Having him out there fired up and confident gives us some juice.
Ive been with Zach the last two years and his development from last year to this year has just been unreal. His maturity, his confidence level, the way he carries himself and the way he commands the huddle is 100 percent better. You can tell hes grown tremendously.
Maybe well see that Sunday against the Texans. Maybe we wont. Either way, you can put the salt shakers away for now.
How many decks are used in poker?
In most popular poker variants, such as Texas Hold'em and Omaha, a standard deck of 52 playing cards is used. Each deck contains four suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades) and consists of 13 ranks (Ace, 2 through 10, and the face cards: Jack, Queen, and King).
What is the bonus code for WPT Global Poker 2023?
The best bonus code for WPT Global is WPT777. By entering the bonus code, players will get a welcome bonus 100% up to $1,200 on the first deposit. The minimum deposit is $20.
What is the best WPT Global bonus code?
Use the WPT Global bonus code WPT777 when registering to get a 100% deposit bonus up to $1200 plus a $100 No Deposit poker bonus.
