Zach Wilson wins second Rookie of the Week award, reveals who would get his vote
While New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson was unable to come away from Sunday’s proceedings with a win, he still managed to pack a worthy pop among voters for Week 13’s top rookie.
Wilson’s three-touchdown performance from the weekend’s 33-18 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles won him his second NFL Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week award. The second overall pick of April’s draft proceedings previously took home the title after Oct. 3’s win over the Tennessee Titans.
New York’s young signal-caller is one of two Jets to win the honor this season, joining Week 11 champion Elijah Moore. He becomes the fourth freshman in the league to win the award at least twice this season, joining Ja’Marr Chase, Asante Samuel Jr., and Micah Parsons.
Run another belt to 1 Jets. Dr.@ZachWilson is the @pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week!
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 9, 2021
After the voting results were announced, Wilson was featured in a video on the Jets’ Twitter account thanking fans for selecting him as this week’s honoree.
.@ZachWilson says thanks 💚 pic.twitter.com/0VEDboLxqC
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 9, 2021
Wilson himself later took to Twitter with a response to the video.
In his signature humble fashion, Wilson absorbed none of the credit, instead proclaiming that he “would’ve voted for (Elijah Moore) personally.”
I would’ve voted for @e_moore03 personally.. https://t.co/7l0YPBWIyR
— Zachary Wilson (@ZachWilson) December 9, 2021
Moore would have been a worthy selection by Wilson. In the loss to Philadelphia, Moore caught six passes for 77 yards, three first downs, and a touchdown, which was his sixth score of the season and his fifth in the last five games.
Wilson’s new favorite target has since responded to his proverbial vote.
Mannnnn stop it! U know I can’t get active w out UUU yo https://t.co/9bNrYVehCz
— Elijah Moore (@e_moore03) December 10, 2021
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Wilson guided the Jets to touchdowns on each of the team’s first three possessions, finding Moore and Ryan Griffin for aerial scores while punching a rushing tally from one yard out.
Alas for New York, the offense was unable to keep the momentum rolling in the second half, thanks mainly in part to the defense’s inability to stop long Philadelphia drives that kept the ball out of Wilson’s hands.
Sunday marked Wilson’s second game back from a sprained PCL injury sustained in the Oct. 24 contest in New England. He previously helped guide the Jets to a 21-14 victory in Houston, earning a rushing score in that visit to the Lone Star State.
“(I was) just playing efficiently, just being decisive I think was probably the biggest thing. Just how can I get the ball out of my hands as quick as possible, let guys do their job, get my eyes in the right spots. I think just being able to rep that all week helped,” Wilson said of the progress he made against Philadelphia on Thursday, per notes from the Jets.
“(It was) probably just the most comfortable I’ve ever been from an offensive standpoint of just understanding my job, what I’m looking for, my goal of what I’m supposed to be trying to accomplish every play.
“I understand it’s going to be a challenge being a rookie and everything, but I understand that it’s a process,” he continued. “As long as I’m making growth and heading in the right direction, I can just keep working at it. It’s the process right now rather than the end result. We’re working through something bigger than just this right now.”
In earning the top rookie honor for Week 13, Wilson beat out divisional rival Jaelan Phillips of Miami, as well as Javonte Williams, Najee Harris, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Nate Hobbs.
Wilson will look to earn his third ROTW award on Sunday as the Jets battle the New Orleans Saints at home (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
