Zach Wilson isn’t just playing out the string with the Jets, as every moment he’s on the field is crucial to his development as the Jets’ franchise QB – but he had a lot of people to play for on Sunday, most notably himself.
According to acting head coach Ron Middleton, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur challenged Wilson and the Jets to establish the run game, although it may have been misunderstood when Middleton said it as LaFleur challenging Wilson to use his legs more.
“I think what he meant there was us running the ball in general; he wants me to take advantage when it’s there, but we were looking to run the ball and establish dominance up front,” Wilson said after the Jets’ 26-21 win over Jacksonville. “That’s where games are won at this point in the year, so we just kept going to it. The guys were grinding, and it was fun to see everyone going. It made it easier for me in the passing game.”
Regardless of intent, taking advantage of opportunity was something Wilson did in spades Sunday, compiling 91 yards on four rushes that included a 52-yard TD run – the longest ever by a Jets QB.
“It was the longest run of my whole life, too, I think, but they brought man pressure, and when I felt the pocket closing I tried to step up,” Wilson said. “I found a lane, and fortunately all of our routes were going opposite to where I stepped out, so there was no one left in front of me. When I got to the sideline I was planning on stepping out but he didn’t hit me, so I held on to the sideline and kept going. I knew by then there was no one left, so I tried to cut back and make a play.”
“That was awesome – he made a lot of plays today with his feet, and he’s that kind of guy who can make a play when he needs to when things break down,” receiver Braxton Berrios added of the run.
Wilson was told there was some scuttlebutt circulating about nicknaming him “Zach Vick,” and while he joked he doesn’t think he’s fast enough for that, he did admit that rushing touchdowns don’t really do it for him.
“I was telling someone the other day it sucks as far as stats go,” Wilson said of running for scores. “Rushing TDs are great to win games, but I couldn’t care less how many rushing touchdowns I have; I wish they were passing TDs, but if it helps us win the game, I’ll take them.”
No matter how the points were scored, Wilson had one big supporter on the sideline to win for as well: Middleton, who stepped in as acting head coach when Robert Saleh tested positive for COVID and got his first opportunity to be a head man at any level.
“The message all week was take advantage of your opportunity, and I thought the guys did a good job of handling that mindset to do the best they can. Guys were hungry to come out here and get a win,” Wilson said.
“We got exactly what we’ve gotten from Coach Mid all year: the passion and energy he brings to the table. Guys respect him, and he stepped up and did his thing. Nothing crazy.”
Wilson was able to help guide that win thanks to being able to “play ball and just have fun out there like I have my whole life.” And that benefitted two other people: Kensia Thelusma and her son, Scott, who were gifted tickets to the game by Wilson after Kensia helped serve him during his Christmas morning brunch at the Ritz Diner in Livingston.
“That was a cool situation, and I thought it was a cool opportunity to make someone happy, because not many pop up like that,” Wilson said of the interaction. “She was working and talking about her son and how tough it was for her to work on Christmas, and she briefly mentioned how she’s always wanted to get him tickets to a game. That’s when I thought it would really help her and her family spend time together. She was working on Christmas, which isn’t fun, and it makes me happy to have the opportunity to make someone happy.”
As the saying goes, all’s well that ends well.
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