On Tuesday afternoon, the Twitter timelines of New York Jets fans were peppered with reports of Zach Wilson’s Florham Park heroics.
New York Jets fans might not be physically present in Florham Park, but through the magic of Twitter’s 280-character limits, they have been able to vicariously experience the early goings of Zach Wilson mania.
On Tuesday afternoon, Wilson continued a promising few weeks of OTAs with another impressive practice. Reports of Wilson throwing strikes and leading the offense like a veteran were rolling in nonstop.
Elijah Moore showcased his versatility by lining up on the outside and beating the coverage of Bryce Hall for a deep shot.
Zach Wilson delivers a beauty down the sideline to Elijah Moore, outside shoulder, one on one vs. Bryce Hall. Not terrible coverage, but the separation and placement was just enough at the end. #Jets
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) June 8, 2021
Braxton Berrios got involved in the action with a couple of middle-of-the-field grabs as the Jets kept their skill-position rotation moving fluidly.
Then, Wilson hits Berrios middle of field for big YAC. And another on a shorter middle of field. Low and inside placement.
They’re rotating receivers and tight ends big time with Wilson. #Jets
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) June 8, 2021
Denzel Mims and Keelan Cole got involved in the fun, but Wilson had one of his low points of the day as he was nearly picked off by linebacker Jarrad Davis.
Wilson also hits Denzel Mims, quick-timing near sideline. Then hits Keelan Cole, deeper route near sideline. Had to fit it in between two or three guys.
7on7, Wilson nearly throws a pick to J.Davis. #Jets
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) June 8, 2021
All in all, the difference in processing speed and mental proficiency between Wilson and his predecessor has been noticeable to those in attendance.
Again, everything about Zach Wilson as compared to Sam Darnold is much quicker. The release, the feet, the decisions. describe it is this: Wilson isn’t a “thinker.” Can’t play football (any sport, really, especially shoot in basketball), by overthinking everything. #Jets
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) June 8, 2021
Reading tweets about big plays in practice and imagining them as iconic moments being called by Jim Nantz or Ian Eagle in a real game is one of the best yearly traditions of Jets fandom (or any NFL fanbase, for that matter). Nobody knows for sure whether these plays will translate to the regular season, so it is perfectly human for Jets fans to bask in the glory of their team’s harmonious production on the practice field.
Additionally, after years of hearing reports out of New Jersey describing complete defensive dominance and worrisome offensive struggles (the latter of which always translated to the regular season), the consistent camaraderie of the offense this spring certainly must be a refreshing change of pace for fans.
The Jets will be back on the field this Thursday for the final practice of OTAs before heading their separate ways. Players will return next week for mandatory minicamp. After that, they will head their separate ways before returning for training camp in late July.
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Is this a positive sign about our young QB or an indictment of a one-of-the-worst-in-the-league secondary? It might be a bit of both.
Probably a bit of both, but most of Wilson’s throws were tightly covered based on the pictures and videos made available and the accounts of Robby + the other beat writers in attendance, so he is definitely playing legitimately well right now for whatever it’s worth