Zach Wilson will have the next 2-4 weeks to watch the Jets from the sidelines after suffering a sprained PCL in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Patriots, meaning the 22-year-old’s development will have to be put on hold in a season where his evolution was the franchise’s most important task.
But if you ask offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, Wilson’s development doesn’t have to stop just because he can’t dress on Sundays for the time being.
“From a positive side, to spin it, these next however many weeks he’s out, to be able to sit back, regroup, look back at the last six games, what did you do well, where do you need to continue to progress at both as an offense and as an individual, as a quarterback,” LaFleur said on Monday. “Sometimes there is something strong in being able to sit back, not have the weight of the world on your shoulders. We try to tell him that all the time. You don’t have to go out there and win football games. You have to go play quarterback. But ultimately, he is the quarterback of the New York Jets, and he feels that.”
If Wilson has indeed been putting too much pressure on himself to perform well right out of the gates of his NFL career, it has certainly shown in some forced throws that have turned into turnovers. Wilson has thrown nine interceptions so far this season, tied with Patrick Mahomes for the most in the league. So, Wilson can take the next few weeks to hit the reset button on his rookie season and take in the game from a new perspective, which could hopefully help him return as a more aware and composed quarterback.
Listen to New York sports talk now on Audacy and shop the latest Jets team gear
“For him to just be able to sit back and be able to let it be for the next however many weeks and learn and grow and watch someone else do it and watch around the league, and battle to get back as soon as possible,” LaFleur said.
Of course, the main goal is to get Wilson back under center as soon as he’s ready, because while watching from afar can have its benefits, it doesn’t compare to the hands-on learning experience that he’s received through six games.
“There’s nothing like playing,” LaFleur said. “That’s where you gain the most experience…there’s nothing like it. That’s where you learn the most, because the bullets are live.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch
