In the early going of Week 2, New York Jets quarterback attempted two passes.
Both were caught, but by New England Patriots defenders.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is known for making rookie quarterbacks struggle in their first matchup with the venerable defensive mind, and if the early going is any indication at MetLife Stadium, that trend will continue this week.
The first interception came midway through the first quarter, with Wilson dropping into the pocket and looking to target Corey Davis over the middle working off of play-action. J.C. Jackson, the Patriots cornerback was right on Davis in coverage, and tipped the throw at the catch point. Safety Devin McCourty then helped with a tip of his own, before the pass settled into Jackson’s hands for the interception:
That's why they call him Mr. INT!
J.C Jackson picks off another, with a little help from @McCourtyTwins.
📺:: @NFLonCBS / Patriots app pic.twitter.com/PN7Q79S9iz
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 19, 2021
As you can see from the replay angle, Wilson was trying to fit this throw into a tight window, and he paid the price.
His second interception came a few moments later. Again Wilson looked to find Davis, working off of play-action once more. This time the rookie quarterback rolled to his right and tried to hit his favorite target. The throw was high, and went through the receiver’s hands and into those of safety Adrian Phillips:
Yo Adrian!@Phillips_17 with our second INT of the day!
📺:: @NFLonCBS / Patriots app pic.twitter.com/gwkFT5K7qS
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 19, 2021
Making matters worse for the Jets? The Patriots turned both turnovers into points. New England settled for a field goal after the first interception, but turned the second into a touchdown run from veteran James White. One of the big plays on that drive was a nifty little trick play that ended up with another rookie, Mac Jones, finding tight end Jonnu Smith after having the ball thrown back to him from White:
Trickery!@MacJones_10 to @Easymoney_81
📺:: @NFLonCBS / Patriots app pic.twitter.com/WbVaNOmuUh
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 19, 2021
The Patriots lead 10-0, and Wilson will need to settle in quickly, otherwise this game might get out of hand.
