Evan was not happy with the Jets when they committed to Zach Wilson as their starting quarterback for the season after Aaron Rodgers went down, but now, he is starting to come around on the idea.
“I feel different…I’ve been saying things about Zach that I haven’t said in a very long time,” Evan said.”
The reason for the turnaround? Taking a look at Wilson’s stats over the past 16 games, they are similar, even better, than a former Jets quarterback who was under center for back-to-back AFC title games.
“All of these numbers are very average and mediocre,” Evan said. “But then, I wanted to compare it to something. Right after Aaron Rodgers got hurt and the Jets beat the Bills…I said all he needs to do is be Mark Sanchez.
“I took a look at Mark Sanchez’s rookie season, because Tiki Barber told me Zach Wilson is really like a rookie…that was a year in which the Jets got to the AFC Championship game. Mark threw 12 touchdown passes to Zach’s 11. Mark threw 20 interceptions. Zach threw 12. Mark’s QB rating was 63. Zach’s QB was 73. Mark took a lot less sacks, which has something to do with the offensive line and Mark not holding the ball for an hour and a half.”
The Jets, like those 2009 and 2010 teams, have a stout defense, but less of an offensive line. Still, Evan says it’s possible to win with Wilson playing at this level and not turning the ball over.
“The Jets may not have the same premier run game, but they have the more electric runner in Breece Hall,” Evan said.
“They were able to be a functioning team that got to the AFC Championship game with a quarterback that was worse than Zach Wilson. Chew on that.”