NFL Fans, Media Pleasantly Impressed by Zach Wilson’s Performance

In his second game of the 2023 preseason, Jets backup quarterback Zach Wilson enjoyed solid production against the Panthers on Saturday.

Wilson, who played the entire first half, completed 14 of 20 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown.

One of his highlight moments came on second-and-goal with just 12 seconds remaining in the half. Wilson smoothly faked the handoff to rookie back Israel Abanikanda and rolled out to his left. With the defense flowing to the right, Wilson softly completed the touchdown toss to a wide open Kenny Yeboah, putting the Jets up 13–0 at the half.

Aaron Rodgers-esque play-action?

📺: #NYJvsCAR on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/cxr7TdVSKM

— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2023

Much of Wilson’s work on the afternoon came on shorter completions to his tight ends and running backs. In fact, only two of his 14 completions were to New York wideouts.

Despite the low number of down-the-field throws, media and fans were pleasantly impressed by the performance, quickly attributing the performance to the presence of Aaron Rodgers.

Zach Wilson final stat line in #Jets Panthers game:

💥 14/20 (that's a 70% comp rate 👀)
💥 123 yards
💥 1 TD
💥 0 INT
💥 102.7 passer rating pic.twitter.com/kXmWoagU4Y

— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) August 12, 2023

Among many other - potentially more significant - things, Aaron Rodgers is going to save Zach Wilson’s career. #Jets

— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) August 12, 2023

I’ll say it, Zach Wilson looked phenomenal today. pic.twitter.com/9e3jUnz1NG

— Mikey O’ver (@MikeyOver1) August 12, 2023

Zach Wilson was solid as I thought he had very keen decision making skills today. It wasn’t a lot of deep passes but he made decisions I’m not sure he would have in the past. That’s growth

— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) August 12, 2023

Aaron Rodgers is already having an impact on Zach Wilson's development.pic.twitter.com/HwKp5zoZKB

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 12, 2023

Zach Wilson’s stats today…

• 14 for 20
• 123 passing yards
• 1 TD
• 102.7 passer rating#Jets pic.twitter.com/n6fQYob1oz

— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) August 12, 2023

Zach Wilson going through his progressions 10x faster than he did in his first 2 years

I wonder why #Jets pic.twitter.com/Q01jeYOHfG

— NYJ Matt (@NYJ_Matt) August 12, 2023